DAY SURNAME Y-DNA PROJECT
This web site is dedicated to the study of the DAY surname as it relates to DNA testing. Additionally, there will be links to the Day Family Genealogy web site operated by Sue (Day) Hafner. Sue's web site has long been a repository for Day research and a searching area for Day researchers. Any DAY researcher needs to visit her web site on a regular basis.
What Is DNA Testing?
This is a simple test accomplished by the participant ordering a testing kit (more about companies later). Once the kit is received by the testee, scrapers (they look like toothbrushes) are used to obtain samples of the cells on the inside of the cheek. Usually there are two and the samples are obtained about 8 hours apart. They are then placed in the provided containers and mailed back to the testing company. Rarely is it necessary for the participant to provide another sample but it does happen. It is very important to get a good sample. It is NOT necessary to scrape the inside of the cheek until it bleeds. They want the cells that reside on the surface inside the cheek.
Once the sample is received by the testing company it is assigned an identification number and the pertinent personal information on the testee becomes invisible. From this point the testee is identified by a number until the results are obtained. When that has been accomplished the testee and the project administrator are notified of the results.
What Is Y-DNA?
Y-DNA is the portion which is transmitted from father to son at the time of conception. It can only be passed by the males in a family to their male offspring. The DNA strand contains both proteins, which may reveal health issues, and non-proteins, the so-called "junk DNA." Y-DNA used in testing comes from the area known as junk DNA.
This testing will not tell you specifically who your father or grandfather was or where he lived. I cannot stress this enough. What it can do however is to prove, or disprove, that two or more family groups have the same ancestor and indicate how many generations early this is likely to occur.
Testing Company
The testing company used most often by Day DNA participants is Family Tree DNA, based in Houston, TX. The laboratory they use is located at the University of Arizona. There is a group project set up for the Day males at this company which offers discounts for males who join the project.
Other companies provide similar services and no matter where you test we are happy to display your results on this site. The choice of testing company is left to you.
Further Information
There is a mailing list dedicated to this project and you can join this by sending an email to DAY-DNA-L-request@rootsweb.com with the single word subscribe in the message subject and body.