If guests at your wedding talk about marriage after the sunset, then the groom will cheat on his bride. A pregnant woman should never tie a scarf on her neck, or the baby will be born with the umbilical cord around his neck. In English these people are often called Gypsies. The Romani people have a strong sense of family, but also believe in the importance of respecting other families as well. 43. 11. Never pass a needle from your hand to another persons hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. Once married, the man . Meanwhile 0.13 per cent of the general . The Romas (gypsies) traveling culture has historically hindered education. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! 24. An itching of the right eye means sadness. But if your right hand is itching, you will receive money. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. Also, when you sit at the table, make sure you dont sit on the corner as you will never get married. For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. This is quite funny! If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. And scary! Superstitions are avoided like the plague and anything Romani men and women can do to keep any evil energy away from expecting parents comes first. I loved these few superstitions from above: 18. All Roma are expected to marry. Hungarian . The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. In particular, community leaders and courts of elders are responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within their particular Romani group. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. This has been both a blessing and a curse, as the Gypsies' place in society has oscillated from "tolerated" to "actively persecuted.". Some of these include never wearing new shoes when youre pregnant, not putting the colors red and white together in flower arrangements (since it resembles blood and guts), and never cutting a childs hair until they reach their second birthday. Romani / Gypsy Proverbs in English. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. 28. The U.S. has played a role in discrimination against Romanies in the past, as some states have on their books repealed lawsthat limited where Romanies could rent property, where they could entertain, and what goods they could sell. Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. The Roma, also known as "Gypsies," represents one of Romania's largest minorities. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. Over the centuries, they moved westward into . #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. 10 Fascinating Facts About Gypsies. 33. Another old myth in Ireland is that it's bad luck to count the number of cars behind a hearse on its way to the graveyard. Finding a Job in Romania as a Foreigner / Expat: How Difficult Is It. Im sorry about it now. This Romani-related article is a stub. Make sure you never beat a dog or any other animal if you are pregnant, unless you enjoy the idea of having a very hairy baby. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. 3. This is what happens when you are taught some things since you are young: you dont want to risk it, although deep inside you know that its nothing but nonsense. Gypsy money superstitions are connected to a persons luck. During spring, if you go to a party, take a sip of water. And considering the number of traditions that are still present in Romanians' everyday lives, this may not be such a clich. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46. 2. The language is closely related to the languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, and the . to yourself by how you think or interact with other individuals. La revedere! They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Despite settling down, the Roma remain one of Europes most disadvantaged ethnic groups, with 80% of Romanies living below the poverty line as of 2016. Can You Live on $1,000 per Month in Romania? 6. When they came across others on their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as a token of peace. Never wash your hair on a Tuesday or else you will have bad luck. Article Images Copyright . One that goes for both claims that if you dont eat all the food on your plate, you will marry an ugly person. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. Francis Hindes Groome was one of the small group of 19th century folklorists who immersed themselves in Roma (Gypsy) life. I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. Its not good to play with matches (or fire) either. Dressing themselves in bright clothing and practicing fortunetelling, the Roma quickly attracted the ire of the Roman Catholic Church, but also the allure of the forbidden. This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn, you will not be cold all winter. 24. 8. The word is made of two Slavic language words, namely 'bogu' meaning 'god' and 'dan' meaning 'given.'. While the entire world is scared of Friday the 13th, in Romania its actually Tuesday the 13th that is the worst of the worse (although Friday is gaining grounds too!). The horseshoe is also a symbol of the sun, as well as being a protective charm against witches and evil spirits. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. This is one of the biggest events of a Romanian wedding: it's usually close friends who "kidnap" the bride and take her to a club or restaurant to party a little bit. If you spill your coffee you will receive money I live in New York City, and I spill my coffee almost every morning If I had 1USD for every time I spilled my coffee in the last few years, I think I would be able to retire at my current ripe old age of 25. I cant think of anymore right now, but Im sure there are more. Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. Europeans have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before moving on to the next town. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. Published March 26, 2017 | By shirleytwofeathers. Gypsies have a number of superstitions when it comes to hiccups. Oh, my! An important superstition surrounds the flower bouquets (So make sure to keep this in mind if you offer flowers to a Romanian woman!). . The Observer Roma, Gypsies and Travellers Our traditions, way of life and culture are under threat, Gypsy leader warns Patel Letter says Appleby horse fair will be criminalised under terms of new . Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . Regarding the days of the week, make sure you never borrow money on a Monday, because youll be spending money the entire week. May God bless you all! Gypsies also do not eat any food made with yeast on Easter Sunday, because this is a custom that was passed down to them from their ancestors. And if you enjoy these Romanian Superstitions, you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago. And if you want to keep reading about Romania, why not check out my article about the beautiful Bigar Waterfall or read about the stray dog problem in Romania? 62. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. 2. If you want to make a man fall in love with you, then make him eat a cake in which youve put a piece of your nail. Around half live in cities with the rest in rural settings. Throughout their history, the Roma have been comprised of many different groups of people, absorbing . The Romani were nomadic when they departed India during the Middle Ages. Knock on wood. Gypsies may not marry someone if they have the same initials. 5. Watch out, supernatural fans, things could get really weird! The truth is, that for the last 1000 years, we have moved from country to country largely because of persecution and slavery. Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. Even as adults, myself and my sisters are warned by our family not to accept food or drink from people who are not related to, case they do not follow our rules or customs. An old Romanian proverb says: Do not speak badly of the Devil because you cannot know to whom you will belong . Have good dayLa revedere! If you share your bottle of juice, water or any other beverage with another person, make sure you are the one who takes the last sip otherwise the other person will steal your loved one. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. 31. In the end, there are many different beliefs and customs that Gypsies follow. If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. For Roma, Life in US Has Challenges. . We believe that observing our laws is what distinguishes us from the. At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. Some gypsy superstitions are more believable than others, such as the belief that a broken mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. 59. If you know any other funny (or not) Romanian superstitions, dont hesitate to let us all know by sharing a comment below. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. I really appreciate your comment! I guess in this way, we are similar. 47. At the same time, its very good to have the last drops from a bottle (usually of alcohol) in your glass. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. If you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night! 14. Roma are pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German and as "Gypsies" in English.. 65. It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. Should I be excited or nervous? Gypsy History and Folklore. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. I love the one about keeping thread in your mouth while you sew. To Gypsys, dropping your food means you are a bad guest and that there is no respect for the hosts home. Despite the contemporary lifestyle, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time. This will actually mean that they will catch nothing. Is there a superstition for a local plant that has white coin shaped leaves on its branches? It is a common occurrence for non-Gypsies to hashtag #gypsy or #gypsy life while spending a lazy day at the beach, hair out, not a worry in the world. Gypsy rain is thought by some Romani people to be a sign that the rain is washing away their sins. They are no longer nomadic. Among these traditions are the Romas inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and sense of solidarity. Rather than working in the standard documentary photo style, McKell creates dreamy images that look almost like fashion spreads, while simultaneously striking up a strange human connection . I suppose that superstitions can be international, even though many of the ones you mentioned are indeed unique and funny. 14. Romani, or Romany, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 5-6 million Roma people throughtout Europe and the USA. His observations conclude that the Romani magical tradition was very practical and handy. 49. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Some legends (particularly from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romanies are said to have passive psychic powers such as, empathy . Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Eating chicken daily will turn you into a pecker. The list of what we consider to be marime is endless. It means that somebody just said something bad about you. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! Genocide of European Roma (Gypsies) Roma were among the groups that the Nazi regime (1933-1945) and its partner regimes singled out for persecution and murder before and during World War II. According to popular Romanian mythology, it is not considered difficult to establish a connection with the Devil. We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. The most marime individuals, are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. 16. All Rights Reserved. (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). Like wearing something red so that the gypsies cant put a spell on you. And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. 42. Crying at your wedding brings good luck. Gypsies practice many rituals, and, as happens in many religions, most of their rituals are related to appeasing or warding off spirits in an attempt to control fate. Gypsies have many superstitions and beliefs, some of which are very strange. As part of this tradition, it is not uncommon for a gypsy family to have members from another family living with them. Another common misconception is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together. Many Roma also follow traditional Romani customs. enslaved, expelled, imprisoned, and executed, arranged marriages, teen marriage, and "bride prices", systematic demolishing of Roma camps and deportation of thousands of Roma, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, The absence of Romani information on census returns. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. They do share some similarities with regard to traditions . Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. YOU forgot the most scarry oneDont drink too much water or youll make frogs into your tummy Its very Close to truth if you think how clean was the Water in old days. As a displaced people targeted by popular society, Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, and self-governance. It is a common misconception that Romany people naturally have wanderlust. 33. I am Brandon. Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. 23. An estimated 1 million Roma live in the U.S. today, some whose ancestors arrived on the land when it was still a British colony. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, Juvet A Spectacular Landscape Hotel in Norway, Where to Stay in the Portuguese Countryside: 22 Most Beautiful Retreats, Your Budget-Friendly Weekend Guide to Porto. 39. Copyright Romania Experience 2013 - 2023. The Romani people (gypsies) have been discriminated against in Europe for centuries. Have you heard of this one at all or have any likely origins from your research? To see a shooting star is a sign of death. Dont play with knives! Our focus is not on, you have caught certain conditions. We believe that some people can be so marime that just by spending time with them, you can become marime by association, ; this is another reason why you will not be accepted into a group of Romany individuals, is to live in constant fear of the outside world. Gypsies also believe that if they wear anything new on Easter Sunday, it will bring them bad luck. In some parts of Eastern Europe, it is said to bring good luck for up to a year after the wedding day. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. Among these traditions are the Roma's inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and . 64. If you bite your tongue while eating, its because youve recently told a lie. Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases. ), 25. Diverse, nomadicto be Roma, or "gypsy", is to be a member of an ethnic minority that is difficult to define in any definite, factual terms. Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. I checked about 50 ways of asking this but was unable to find this superstition in gypsy folklore or any culture for that matter lol! Ethnic Gypsies are the descendants of diverse groups of people who were assembled in northern India as a military force to resist the eastward movement of Islam. 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