'Ancestral Ritual' explores the phenomenon of inherited ancestral trauma, wherein the experienced traumas of one's ancestors are passed down epigenetically, manifesting as psychological and physical conditions. This piece stems from an intensely personal experience of inherited traumas inflicted on direct and recent ancestors in Poland during the World Wars and Communist occupation. This work further explores the conflict existing between the desire to release trauma and a sense of survivor guilt. By performing a ritual in which her ancestors are honoured and thanked for the pain and losses they endure, Karolina Partyka symbolically dissolves the trauma, releasing ancestral burdens.