I need to give the evil eye to quite a few people! If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. One such belief is that if a Gypsy has an itch on their body, it means someone in the household is going to die. Today, the Romani are a diverse people living in every inhabited continent in the world. Never get out of a house on another door except for the one you entered, as it will bring bad luck. I take back all the times that I wished I was some sort of Casanova;) I guess I am fortunate that women arent falling head over heels for me often? Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6d4504c4d1f1c113faf6f5565123cef" );document.getElementById("a4688e53af").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To avoid making our dishes marime, we must find a source of running water. 19. . History of the Gypsy/Roma . Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! Multumesc for sharing that. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. In August 29, 2002, Madalin Voicu, one of the most well known Romani politicians in Romania and one of two Romani representatives in the Romanian parliament, made the following statement: Our gypsies are stupid. Guessing at the crystal ball. Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. 12. The Romani people are a distinct ethnic and cultural group of peoples living all across the globe, who share a family of languages and sometimes a traditional nomadic mode of life. 62. If you spill coffee, you will receive money. 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. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! Also known as 'Gypsies', the Roma are nomads who originated in India during the middle ages, and spread across a wide section of Eurasia, preserving a unique culture and language. Thank you very much for this work, Meeroona. 15. Remember: there are probably many more, but the ones below are probably the most common. These nomadic Roma (gypsies) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient lifestyle. Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. Danior is an unusual choice among our male gypsy names, derived from the Romani word "dand," meaning "tooth," ultimately from the Sanskrit "danta.". Roma Milli Marx from the US. 24. When they came across others on their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as a token of peace. 1. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. Even then, however, it was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures. What size? Though their exact origins are unclear, central India is a notable point of origin. For Roma, Life in US Has Challenges. This page links together resources at sacred-texts about the folklore of the Roma people. Gypsy History and Folklore. Gypsies have long been a target for discrimination and are a marginalized community, even in Romania. If you drop an umbrella on the floor, then there will be a murder in that house. The list of what we consider to be marime is endless. Your email address will not be published. Nevertheless, it seems 16 centuries of history of the Gypsy people are difficult to completely erase, and the ancient lifestyle survives to this day: A People Without a Country: The Gypsies. A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. No matter what others say about it, I will always love it. 19. Their language shares a common origin with, and is similar to, modern-day Gujarati and Rajasthani, borrowing loan words from other . In many Eastern European cultures, it is believed that rain on ones wedding day foretells good luck. Everyone with a dimpled chin was touched by Cupid. You are only supposed to give an uneven number of flowers. We are an ethnic race who can trace our origins back to India. In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. If your nose it itching, though, it means that somebody will beat you up. apparently, it results in something terrible!? The Romani people have a strong sense of family, but also believe in the importance of respecting other families as well. View Gallery. Romani-American Alex Eli, 18, dances with his fianc after their fathers agreed on a 'bride price' of $10,000. Dont spit it, go back home walking backwards, go to your bed, and there spit the water out of your mouth; at night you will dream your chosen one bringing you a glass of water. Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. Gypsies also believe that they should not wash their hair on Easter Sunday, as this will bring them bad luck. 25. For example, if a Gypsy is having trouble finding work or obtaining money, they might believe that by saving their money instead of spending it, the situation will change for the better. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. . Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. Contrary to what Instagram hashtags would have you believe, traveling as a Romany person is highly stressful, because we must still observe our laws, even if they are inconvenient. However, breaking a mirror is a completely different thing. I was trying to learn more about Romania and I stumbled upon your thread. Hi Meeroona, An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. 53. . Irish Travellers and Romany Gypsies are distinct ethnic groups with their own belief structures, languages and customs. Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Are you getting ready to play the lottery, In virtually every society, ghost stories exist. Let me know if you like them, hate them, or if you find them weird, scary, or stupid. They believe that the world is round and they must keep traveling in order to maintain balance with it. Dolores Smyth writes on faith and family. I did a lot of research before writing this post. I am half Polish & grew up hearing some funny superstitions, too! Some Gypsy Superstitions. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . Charles Leland, an expert in folklore, wrote about Gypsy ways in the late 1800s. They could at least be crafty but they aren't. Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. Get to know the people, the local customs and the traditions, and you'll likely discover the country is a wonderful mix of warm culture, amazing stories and quirky beliefs. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our rituals. 2. However, we do have generalised categories of marime things. All Rights Reserved. The family members will also place coins on the eyes of the dead person. Maybe not a cause of bad luck, but maybe a bad cold? I guess in this way, we are similar. 36. 30. In the centuries that followed, Romanies spread throughout Europe and, by the 19th century, had migrated to the Americas. Submitted by gtadmin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:42. Further, some Romani groups still follow the practice of arranged marriages, teen marriage, and "bride prices"paid by the grooms family to the brides family. A Romanian Gypsy woman whose 10-year-old daughter just gave birth in Spain says she's delighted to have a new granddaughter and doesn't understand why the birth has shocked anyonelet alone . Barbu. :)Romania is funny, isnt it? If you drop the scissors, it means your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated you. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. I am interested since my great-grandparents (whom I did not know) were from Romania. The term Gypsy derives from Egyptian, reflecting a mistaken assumption of the origins of the people who refer to themselves as the Roma. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together. Other legends include the ability to levitate, travel through astral projection by way of meditation, invoke curses or blessings, conjure or channel spirits, and skill with illusion-casting. 37. Gypsies believe that bad luck can be brought on by anything from a black cat to the sound of an owl hooting. 42. But, we are not interested in that. Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. Konstantin Makovsky. This is because the word for handbag in Romany means baby. 11. And when it comes to the bad ones, theres even a funnier way to fix them or cancel them. 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. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Hi! If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. 49. The Romanian people comprise the nation of Romania whereas the gypsies do not form a nation. Never pass a needle from your hand to another persons hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. Im a Romanian too, and at first, I was only familiar with some of these crazy superstitions. And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. April 06, 2011 8:00 PM. Bad luck to walk under a ladder. 20 Superstitions Only Romanians Will Understand. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. To live a Gypsy life is to live in constant fear of the outside world, which is marime. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. Contrary to popular belief, Romany life is anything but carefree. However, I did a lot of research when I decided to put together this piece, and I can assure you that all of them are based on reality. is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. Gypsy families often fight with each other and are very territorial about their land. One tradition is that you should put a spoon in your mouth and lean over the sink, or try drinking a glass of water upside-down. 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. The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . Our focus is not on, you have caught certain conditions. "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . 9. 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? Romanian beliefs regarding death are based in Orthodox Christianity, including a belief in the afterlife, reverence of the Virgin Mary and the importance of salvation for the soul. Gypsy is a name for the Romani people, an ethnic group of South Asian origin spread throughout Europe and northern Africa.They can be divided into many groups distinguished by language or dialect, culture, and way of life. Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. 34. 31. A baby born at full moon will be lucky. When you hear the sound of a turtle-dove, stop, turn around three times, remove your left shoe, and inside you will find a hair just like the hair of your chosen one. We've all heard the legend of the Banshee, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies. If you wear a foot rabbit in your pocket, it will protect from evil spirits. Finding a Job in Romania as a Foreigner / Expat: How Difficult Is It. When I was ill around Christmas time, my family separated my stuff from theirs, feared my toothbrush and wouldnt let me touch anything. 1867, oil painting.Russian. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. Roma, singular Rom, also called Romany or Gypsies (considered pejorative), an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India but live in modern times worldwide, principally in Europe. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. Romania is quite funny, it appears! This Is the Fairy Tale Clay Castle in Romania [Everything You Must Know]. Were going to talk about them all in todays article, which will probably turn out to be a very funny one. 22. Never leave your purse on the floor, or else you will lose money. It is likely from. I was told not to boil eggs at night or the devil will come or not shaving or getting haircuts on Mondays, dont stir drinks with a knife and dont go out with wet hair or a current of wind will make you sick. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? Gypsies believe that a black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck. These bohemian travelers were the inspiration for Iain McKell's stunning photographic journey "The New Gypsies," which explores the many journeys, both physical and emotional, of the modern-day traveler. I am not Romanian, but grew up with many of these superstitions in our German-Irish household. If my grandmother had an illness and then I caught it, she would believe I got ill because I didnt give her enough sympathy. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. more information Accept. Roma are pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German and as "Gypsies" in English.. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. From rainmaking to leaving gifts by the window for the fate fairies, discover the most popular Romanian customs, a true gateway to the country's culture. 52. Im not gonna lie to you, these tales from the past are so crazy and far-fetched, theyll make you wonder who we really are and which era we belong to. Souls go to heaven, a floral paradise, and those who "don't have God" go to a fiery hell. I guess were all a little screwed. He can appear quickly, happy with the availability of the person who wishes to be initiated into the secrets of witchcraft. Life as a Romany Gypsy is not all boho dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. Gypsies in Russia. If your palm is itching, you will either receive money or you will get beaten. For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. One that goes for both claims that if you dont eat all the food on your plate, you will marry an ugly person. 16. 58. If a black cat crosses your way, something bad will happen. If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. Im not Romanian, but I feel Romania is a part of my heart. Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. Romany people avoid talking badly about ill people because we believe that illnesses can be attracted to us by the power of the mind. Im really happy you enjoyed reading my article. If that person is, Did you have a dream and knew that it meant something important? Origins Of The Gypsy/Roma/Rom History . You mustn't cut a child's hair until they reach their second birthday . 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. When a young couple fall in love, there's no such thing as an engagement. If a cat washes her face and paws in the hallway, it means guests are coming. These are all I can think of right now. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. 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. Romani mythology is the myth, folklore, religion, traditions, and legends of the Romani people (also known as Gypsies). Hmmm. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. If you dream of killing a bear, its a sign that youre free of all tangles in your life. English Travelers: Fairly amorphous group, possibly formed along same lines as Roaders (see below), but taking shape already in England before . If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. Theres a lot of death based ones like sleeping with a fan on or whistling at night, yet playing with fire only causes wetting the bed??? If you brag about a bad event not happening. And if you enjoy these Romanian Superstitions, you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. He was very cute. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? The anonymous source refers to these individuals as "career gypsies." . Or if your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change. 29. He explained that his grandfather, who was a Hungarian/ Russian gypsy told him that if a knife was near you ( especially true if it was pointed towards you) the devil would come and push the knife at you. 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. And are we talking fingernail or toenail? Is bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset Again, as a New Yorker, I am always throwing my trash outside after sunset, so it can be collected the next morning. The language is closely related to the languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, and the . Source. Often portrayed as exotic and strange . The Gypsies tend to mix pagan religion with Christian . These terms refer to the same people but viewed and designated differently. This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. If 13 people sit at a table, one of them will surely die before the end of the year. Eating chicken daily will turn you into a pecker. 65. If you keep a dry frog in your bag and wear it with you all time, it will keep epilepsy away from you. I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. 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. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. 24. I was already going to break a few things :-). There are numerous Romani sub-groups and communities that speak different dialects of Romani and practice different traditions. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. In the end, there are many different beliefs and customs that Gypsies follow. If you want to make a man fall in love with you then make him eat a cake in which you introduced a piece of your nail WTF?!?!? It is a Romanian gypsy custom to do homage to the Wodna Zena, or "Water-Woman" by spilling a few drops of water on the ground after filling a jug, and it is regarded as an insult to offer drink without observing this ceremony. 18. This will actually mean that they will catch nothing. The vast majority of Romany laws revolve around the belief that the universe is separated into what is clean and what is dirty (marime). A gypsy is a member of a people originating in South Asia and traditionally having a wandering way of life, living widely scattered across Europe and North and South America and speaking a language (Romani) that is related to Hindi; a Romani person.