Part 2: Celebrating Your Roots Daily
- Your Favourite Snack from Home
If you know, you know. That one snack you’d give anything to taste again. For me, it’s Chin Chin… sweet, crunchy, and impossible to stop eating. My brother in the UK hoards Kuli-Kuli and Uwheru groundnuts like treasure, and honestly, I get it. Snacks are the ultimate comfort food, satisfying both your cravings and your nostalgia. Now, I’m craving chin chin just thinking about it!
Tip: Join immigrant communities for tips on where to find these treats near you. Or if possible, make them yourself or, better yet, stock up like there’s no tomorrow the next time you visit home!
- Language Tools
Language is culture, and keeping it alive is like holding on to your roots. I speak Pidgin (Broken English) almost daily with my kids (even if they don’t respond in kind), friends, and family. It’s more than just words; it’s a piece of home that keeps me grounded.
Tip: Practice your native language through journaling, conversations, or teaching it to your kids. It’s a beautiful and necessary legacy to preserve.
- Cultural Decorations
Whether it’s a bold Ankara pillowcase, a traditional painting, or a simple pottery piece, cultural decor makes your house feel like a home. I surround myself with vibrant colors and patterns that remind me of where I come from.
Tip: Check out local stores or platforms like Etsy for cultural decor. Even a small piece can transform your space.
- Stories and Books from Home
Whether it’s folklore, history, or novels, stories have a unique way of keeping our culture alive. For me, it’s books like Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe or Breaking Point by David Hundeyin. They remind me of where I come from (literally!). Staying updated with news and stories from back home also helps me stay connected to what truly matters.
Tip: Check Amazon or other online platforms for your favourite books. eBooks make it easier than ever to access stories from home, no matter where you are.
- Your Community
No item can replace the feeling of being surrounded by people who get it. Find your community, whether through cultural festivals, expat groups, or online forums.
Tip: Host your own gathering or attend local events. Shared experiences make you feel less alone, no matter how far you are from home.
In a nutshell, staying connected to your roots isn’t about living in the past; it’s about celebrating where you’re from while embracing where you’re going. Whether it’s through food, music, or building a community, these small acts remind us of who we are.
So, grab your favourite snack, blast that playlist, and let your roots shine. Got a must-have that keeps you connected? Share it in the comments… I’d love to hear your stories!
