Speaking of ancestral stories…why do we need stories of our ancestors? What purpose do they serve, and how do we perpetuate them (through person-to-person storytelling, music, film, social media, etc.).

I think it is extremely important to discuss the past and express how these ancestral stories have shaped us, how they serve us, and how our ancestors passed is seen throughout our daily lives and how it impacts our everyday lives without even realizing it. Ancestral tales give us a feeling of kinship with our ancestors and aid us in the comprehension of their origins and life events. We can have a better grasp of our own identities and the environment in which we live thanks to this link. As a Mexican-American, I feel very close to my Mexican heritage, even if I do not live in Mexico. My parents have educated and enriched my life with all things Mexican and never allowed me to forget where we are from by enriching my life with the music, the food, history, etc. Recounting our ancestors’ tales can foster a sense of self and community in us. We can have a deeper understanding of the values that have been passed down through the centuries and our place in the world by learning about the struggles, victories, and customs of our ancestors. Future generations can benefit from the information, wisdom, and important lessons found in ancestral stories. These stories could provide wisdom on overcoming obstacles in life. Ancestral stories have a significant role in maintaining cultural traditions. They support the preservation of cultural practices such as languages, customs, traditions, and others that could otherwise be lost throughout time.