From the transnational nature of many Caribbean communities, we had already seen the important of family to these people. This article talks about how this importance has led to the creation of reunion rituals which heavily reflect the people’s values. The author specifically focuses on 3 families: the Marshalls, the Bishops, and the Williams. These rituals were interesting to look at because they were organized not by the locals living back in the Caribbean but by members of the Diaspora. Each reunion is also different in scale and the activities performed due to differences in the core family planning the event. At each reunion, migrants would more likely be the majority and but the people were all inclusive: cousins, spouses, neighbors, those who were not blood related but like family, emphasizing the importance of community. Another important aspect of these reunions was that it was always centered around an elderly man or woman of the main organizing family, showing respect and the importance of filial piety. Families would also visit dead relatives and ancestors to pay their respects. The author talks specifically about the core Marshall group, which was smaller scaled compared to the other cases the author studied. He highlights the importance of creating a face-to-face connection with their family members back at home. This is especially important now that some family members have migrated abroad. These reunions facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation for one’s roots, especially in children of the second generation who did not grow up experiencing life in the Caribbean. I also feel this way about my own roots. I feel that if I had never gone back to visit or learned the history from my parents, China would just seem like another country on the globe. After visiting family and seeing different places in China, I feel that I have a deeper appreciation for the language, food and people in my family.
Sarafina Lin