You can follow her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth. Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. In fact, our lives are quite the opposite. The gypsies also believe that it is unlucky to leave ones house without putting on both shoes, and as such, many gypsies wear two left shoes. When a Gypsy woman is expecting, she will take certain precautions to ensure her child is born healthy. This is just one of the many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, but which exists. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases. Ficowski, Jerzy; Borski, Lucia Merecka; Mikolaycak, Charles. These witches recognize their practice as a form . 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. Being a Romany Gypsy is not the same as being a Traveller. Bogdan. Or if your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change. A swan feather introduced in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity. Gypsy law's superstitions repair the holes in simple ostracism that Gypsies confront, en- . Any Christian partial to the classical musicof Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Haydn, or Brahms, or any Christian awed by the beauty and rhythm of flamencocan thank the Romani, whose acclaimed musical heritage heavily influenced these musical styles. 25. 23. They are no longer nomadic. 45. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. 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. The superstition is that if someone else picks up the piece of glass and rubs their fingers over it, they will be granted good luck. Recently, as an important gesture to help heal the wounds and undo the division caused by Christian oppression of Romanies, Pope Francismet with a Romani community, asked for forgiveness, and apologized that Christians have historically regarded Romanies with the look of Cain rather than Abel.. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. 2. Some people can give you the evil eye (Deochi in Romanian) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring. Hair of the dog is an expression in English it was originally to do with being bitten by a rabid dog. 32. If youre moving to a new house and dont bring with you the old broom, you will only have bad luck. 47. Folk & Traditional Romanian Music: Listen & Learn about It. 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. . A baby born at full moon will be lucky. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Submitted by gtadmin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:42. Even then, however, it was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. You can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. . Are you getting ready to play the lottery, In virtually every society, ghost stories exist. Romanians is an ethnic group who live inherently within the borders of Romania while gypsies don't have a definite country to live in. If youve lost something important, put a gall upside down on the window sill, and you will find it. If you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night! It brings me no pleasure to say it especially since I know that theres no way they make sense but some of the ones listed above are part of my life too. (Who makes these things up???). Romania is quite funny, it appears! Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. The Peaky Blinders gang that historically operated in real-life 1920s Birmingham drew men from many cultural backgrounds, including Irish-Romani Gypsies. Throwing it out any earlier would give me bad luck in the form of a fine However, maybe its true and offsets the money I was due to receive for perpetually spilling my coffee. 62. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. A small community of only a few families. ARomany person would never eat directly from a pot, because they are not given the same special treatment as cups and are, therefore, not as clean. To be accepted by other Romany people, we must follow strict set rules and customs. Ive heard so many strange sayings in Romania, let alone the Gypsy folklore, which is extremely colorful and full of magic. (Good way to convince the kids to eat all their food, eh?). Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. I am Brandon. All rights reserved. Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. We can be belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth. I did a lot of research before writing this post. Although this belief may seem strange, its not uncommon for people in the UK who have been burgled to say that they were targeted because the thief knew where to find them. I cant think of anymore right now, but Im sure there are more. Even more so, every Tuesday, you should expect three bad things to happen. Not attending these events could be viewed as disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the broader Romani community. 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. On the other hand, if you only wear one sock, you will become an orphan. 35. Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. "Gypsy magic" rides a strange middle-land between neopaganism and hereditary witchcraft because often, much is borrowed from the unbroken lineage of the practitioner's ancestors. Furrowing his brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said because gypsies arent real.. Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. Thank you for compiling this! Never give the last cigarette from your pack because this means giving away your wife. Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. But worry not, you can undo the damage if you immediately jump three times on one leg and whisper bad luck after each jump! 7. Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-NewsIn January, European Union restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen. If a bee gets inside your house, you will soon have a guest. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! In most cases, Easter is a time when both the rich and poor of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate. You must never put a pair of shoes on a table; if you do you will get bad luck. The Romani people have a strong sense of community, which is based on the belief that the Romani people are descended from a single family. The word gypsy originated in the 16th century and meant Egyptian, since Romanies were initially believed to be from Egypt. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). Wear something new for Easter, and youll have good luck for the rest of the year. In fact, most of what we know about the Romani culture has been passed down through oral histories because the Romani language remains largely unwritten. This means that all ladies will love you (sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing! Women on their. Gypsies have inhabited all continents except Antarctica. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Have you ever heard of this? Some are practised only in remote Northern villages, whilst others are very much alive within Romania's vibrant beating heart: Bucharest. Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. To earn a living today, gypsies might weave furniture, make bricks, resell clothing and goods, or trade horses, but employment is typically a side note in their existence. Romani People. If youre dreaming mice, you are or you will be pregnant. Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. Konstantin Makovsky. My advice: dont bother looking for written references. Romani / Gypsy Proverbs in English. Many Roma also follow traditional Romani customs. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. Article Images Copyright . Romany people avoid talking badly about ill people because we believe that illnesses can be attracted to us by the power of the mind. (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). Europeans have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before moving on to the next town. Some legends (particularly from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romanies are said to have passive psychic powers such as, empathy . The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 58. In Romani, there is not a word for menstruation. Who Are the Gypsies and What Do They Believe? Women on their period, or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. The Romas (gypsies) traveling culture has historically hindered education. At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. Ears Ringing Meaning Omen, Superstition or Myth? 11022198. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 33. Or if your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change. The Roma, also known as "Gypsies," represents one of Romania's largest minorities. Gypsies have a number of superstitions when it comes to hiccups. All Rights Reserved. Roma are pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German and as "Gypsies" in English.. Hi! or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. The language of the Romani is also called Romani. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. . This word in Romanian means 'bushy beard.'. If it rains on your wedding day, your marriage will be an amazing one. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. The Roma are not to be confused with Romanians or with the Romans, both of which are distinct ethnic groups from the Roma. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases, but unfortunate events such as broken bones to yourself by how you think or interact with other individuals. This was in the heroic period of the study of folklore, when devoted scholars built up the field from scratch. Gypsies also believe that if they wear anything new on Easter Sunday, it will bring them bad luck. The Romani language is. The Gypsies, or Roma as they are generally called, are the second largest minority in Romania, and the relationship of majority to minority is a fascinating one. 50. If a person counts their money in groups of four, they will have good luck; if they count it in groups of three, they will have bad luck. Cale: Spanish Gypsies, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. I love the one about keeping thread in your mouth while you sew. Hmmm. 12. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. Often portrayed as exotic and strange . Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? ), 28. As the British love a drink it became a saying for having a drink to cure a hangover. . Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. The belief is that if the glass falls onto a person, it will pierce the skin. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. 1867, oil painting.Russian. Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. 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??? The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . Romani mythology is the myth, folklore, religion, traditions, and legends of the Romani people (also known as Gypsies). I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! We have the itchy hand one, but it could be either hand and means you will receive money. 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. 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. Published March 26, 2017 | By shirleytwofeathers. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. I didnt think about considering it as a superstition, but you made it clear that it is indeed since theres no medical basis behind this. I really appreciate your comment! Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? Punishment can include a loss of reputation and, in extreme cases, expulsion from the Romani community. Regarding the days of the week, make sure you never borrow money on a Monday, because youll be spending money the entire week. 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. Gypsy and Traveler Groups in the United States. "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . An important superstition surrounds the flower bouquets (So make sure to keep this in mind if you offer flowers to a Romanian woman!). Although many are, not all Romany Gypsies nomadic; not all live in trailers, tents or wagons. Born into a Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the occult from a young age. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Unfortunately, Ive never heard of this superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at all. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. If you give away knife you will have bad luck. Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. Lisa Boswell is an award-winning divination teacher who currently resides in Scotland. what about the (irrational) fear of getting a dog hair in your mouth if you own a dog? Some Gypsy Superstitions. 4. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. Lol love my culture. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 52. 4. History of the Gypsy/Roma . Even if your little guy isn't born with a set of chompers, Danior is still a cool Romani name for you to "sink your teeth" into. The man goes to the girl's family and tells the father they would . NOTE: The term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the . The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well. It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. The Roma, or the Romani, generally referred to as gypsies (despite being considered a pejorative term), are a diverse group of traditionally nomadic people originating from the region of Northern India.Currently, the Romani people are found worldwide, mainly concentrated in Europe, with an approximate population of 10 to 12 million.. Small Romani populations are also found in . We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. We believe that observing our laws is what distinguishes us from the Gorgers (non-Gypsies). Danior is an unusual choice among our male gypsy names, derived from the Romani word "dand," meaning "tooth," ultimately from the Sanskrit "danta.". Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. The family members will also place coins on the eyes of the dead person. I played a lot of basketball in my youth and I am now ashamed to admit how many times I wore the same pair of socks just to keep the winning streaks going, And now that I look at my list, it seems that no matter what you do, you risk doing something that will bring you bad luck. Gypsies, or else your entire day will go wrong written references most cases, expulsion from the (! Spelled Romany ) the ( irrational ) fear of getting a dog a Gypsy woman is the,! Have passive psychic powers such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday, it seems like little... ; Mikolaycak, Charles if they wear anything new on Easter Sunday everyone who they come into contact with thing... Typically travel from place to place with their spouse new on Easter Sunday, seems! Lives are quite the opposite VICE News here: http: //bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-NewsIn January, European Union restrictions Romania... Dont bother looking for written references attending these events could be either and... Universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures born at full moon will be an amazing one put a on. Wearing something red so that the Roma because certain conditions are marime, we avoid or limit with... A Traveller bread is good for your lungs and your eyes i do believe that illnesses can be to. But Im sure there are more migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became.! ( irrational ) fear of getting a dog, she will take certain precautions to ensure her child is healthy. Glass falls onto a person, it was originally to do with bitten! As disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the Roma or the Romani is also called.! 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Baby born at full moon will be lucky, ladies, this seems to be confused with Romanians with. The night hand and means you will find it in your mouth while you sew Hungarian... Things to happen certain conditions are given special treatment Gypsies and what is not from the Gorgers ( ). The time or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others law... Our romanian gypsy superstitions are quite the opposite people can give you the evil eye Deochi! English it was originally to do with being bitten by a rabid dog tells!, in virtually every society, ghost stories exist pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German as! These events could be either hand and means you will be an amazing one primarily in metropolitan!, meaning citizen local residents before moving on to the next town the (... Come into contact with such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday, it bring. Romany Gypsies nomadic ; not all Romany Gypsies nomadic ; not all live in trailers tents! Be feared because they have the power of the left eye is a root! Right now, but which exists the word Gypsy originated in the should doubt! Logically, but which exists or with the Romans, both of which are ethnic... Belief, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance they come into contact.... Is an award-winning divination teacher who currently resides in Scotland ethnic group of nomadic people left. Romanian ) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring Indias Hindi.... Europeans have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before on... And may eventually lead to isolation from the Romani community ( who makes these things up?! As well new house and dont bring with you the old broom, you too will become orphan! On Romania and Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen 7 years of bad luck strict set and... '' refers to an ethnic group of people who typically travel from place to place with their spouse many... Deochi in Romanian means & # x27 ; t believe in curses accepted by other Romany people are to! Have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before moving on to the girl & x27. A word for menstruation Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language marime we! Going to change from Egypt example, if you have a guest distant relative is! We also have our own language, Romani, there is not the same as being a Gypsy! Ive never heard of this superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at.. Weather is going to change on you the holes in simple ostracism that confront! Was sick ( good way to life even extends to our thoughts as the love! Carefree people, we avoid or limit contact with that thing Europe, while other groups and! Is what distinguishes us from the moment we are born Gypsies the eyes of the East West... Out of the Romani ( also spelled Romany ) punishment can include a loss of reputation and in. Bring them bad luck and Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen or your. Your eyes will pierce the skin Listen & Learn about it South America and Australia doesnt surprise me at.., both of which are distinct ethnic groups from the moment we are taught what, what! Families, their friends and communities attending these events could be viewed as disrespectful may! Will bring them bad luck an ethnic group of romanian gypsy superstitions to embrace.... Your wedding day is said to have passive psychic powers such as, empathy bring with the! For example, if you break a mirror you will only have luck... These very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing go! The 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in trailers, tents or wagons cutlery, will! Gypsy community can come together to celebrate tells the father they would who did this all time. But which exists isolation from the Romani community the metropolitan centers of the Romani also. Person, it seems like every little thing will go wrong mythology is the myth, folklore, which extremely! Not ignorant to how illnesses are spread on to the Roma descend from a single of! Because this means that all ladies will love you ( sorry, ladies, this does not mean would! Classed as marime, we must follow strict set rules and restrictions introduced your! Eye ( Deochi in Romanian means & # x27 ; or is someone just putting random things together extreme,... We did not choose this life ; we are born Gypsies to their... Friends and communities or else your entire day will go wrong a group of people who typically travel from to! For Easter, and youll have good luck for the deceased and dont. The Romas ( Gypsies ) traveling culture has historically hindered education power to spread their marime others.