Gypsies are primarily known for their colorful clothing, horses, and caravans, but also have a deep culture of family values and traditions. It may also bring good fortune to the family of the bride. ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. Our focus is not on how but why you have caught certain conditions. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. 24. Submitted by gtadmin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:42. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. 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! The reason for this belief stems from the idea that if you give a gypsy your bottle, they will know where to find you and steal from you. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. An important superstition surrounds the flower bouquets (So make sure to keep this in mind if you offer flowers to a Romanian woman!). By thinking spiteful thoughts about her while she was in a marime condition, I put myself into a marime condition (for thinking negatively) which enabled me to capture the disease. Most Roma speak some form of Romany, a language closely related to the modern Indo-European languages of northern India, as well as the major language of the country in which they . However, lots of Roma people do not declare themselves as being of . However, precise statistics about American Romanies are limited due to: In an effort to remedy the lack of statistics on American Romanies, Harvard University has recently launched a studyto assess the structural, social, and economic status of American Romani communities. 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. These witches recognize their practice as a form . Roma Milli Marx from the US. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. If youve lost something important, put a gall upside down on the window sill, and you will find it. 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. 1 Orthodox Christianity. The traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best clothes for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another. We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. The literal translation of this Romanian last name is 'black beard.'. A small community of only a few families. Danior. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. The truth is, that for the last 1000 years, we have moved from country to country largely because of persecution and slavery. 41. 4. Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people.The Romani were nomadic when they departed India during the Middle Ages.They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary.Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition . Never leave your purse on the floor, or else you will lose money. 61. 57. Ive just made myself a cup of tea which reminded me of something my Grandmother used to say: If there are bubbles on your tea you will come into money. Unfortunately there are no bubbles on my tea. If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. If the cat is washing on the threshold, you will be visited by a priest. Ive heard so many strange sayings in Romania, let alone the Gypsy folklore, which is extremely colorful and full of magic. If you brag about a bad event not happening. When they came across others on their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as a token of peace. Today, the Romani are a diverse people living in every inhabited continent in the world. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together. The vast majority of Romany laws revolve around the belief that the universe is separated into what is clean and what is dirty (. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany (Romany is the proper term for a Gypsy). Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . And if you enjoy these Romanian Superstitions, you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago. 28. Roma fortune telling traditions are much the same everywhere, gypsy women used normal playing cards cartomancy to predict the fortune of the person they were dukkering. Thank you for compiling this! 27. Being marime or coming into contact with marime things can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. 17. At the same time, its very good to have the last drops from a bottle (usually of alcohol) in your glass. We propose to investigate how family events such as weddings, funerals, engagements, and child birth are celebrated. There are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. Is there a superstition for a local plant that has white coin shaped leaves on its branches? If you give away an animal, make sure you receive something, anything in return for it. I just tried to look up a phrase in Romanian and stumbled on the superstitions! 1867, oil painting.Russian. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. 13. 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. 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. And scary! Hi! 60. Way, way up in the peaks of Transylvania, a land steeped in myth and legend, lies one of the most darkly romantic settings of all times-the Carpathian Mountains. If you ever wondered why you hiccup, the Romanians have the answer for you: it happens because somebody you know is gossiping about you! And considering the number of traditions that are still present in Romanians' everyday lives, this may not be such a clich. All Roma are expected to marry. If you write an exam with the same pen with which you have prepared yourself for the exam, the pencil will remember the answers. 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. Source. When you sew a cloth while wearing it, you need to keep a small piece of thread in your mouth, or else you will sew your mind. 19. 58. My mission is to help guide people seeking answers in a positive and enlightening way. 33. Many of these were recited in my non-Romanian family.. All rights reserved. We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. 31. Make sure you never leave a knife with the sharp part upward on the table: this means that there will be a huge scandal in your family! Not stopping at a stop sign will force the future into your present. The family members will also place coins on the eyes of the dead person. 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. A swan feather introduced in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity. 4. Im glad you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break away the bad luck. If your palm is itching it means that you will either receive some money or you will get beaten Again, WTF?!?!? I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. ), 25. or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. 1. "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. :)Romania is funny, isnt it? Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. 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. Throughout their history, the Roma have been comprised of many different groups of people, absorbing . . However, breaking a mirror is a completely different thing. Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. They do this to help pay for the dead persons way into heaven. This blog is part of the Amazon Associates program, meaning that we will get a commission for products you purchase by following our links to Amazon.com. If a physical thing is especially marime, then the word connected to it is also marime and, therefore, not spoken out loud. Ficowski, Jerzy; Borski, Lucia Merecka; Mikolaycak, Charles. And if you ever happen to see a rat, make sure you dont call it by its proper name! 2. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Gypsies in Russia. The largest concetrations of Roma people live in Turkey, Spain and Romania. Some of this superstitions are common in my country too (I remember old people saying to me not to play with fire before going to sleep because I could pee in bed) April 06, 2011 8:00 PM. 32. If you were a bridesmaid three times, you will remain unmarried. And there are plenty more Romanian superstitions. But, we are not interested in that. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. If you are unfortunate enough to break one (willingly or not), prepare for 7 years of bad luck! 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. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. Our report will focus on obtaining qualitative micro data, which will provide a valuable insight into the varying traditions and cultural customs within the family. Origins Of The Gypsy/Roma/Rom History . Of course, most of us dont believe in them, but there are people, especially in rural areas, who still live and guide their lives according to these irrational beliefs. Hi Meeroona, . Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. 19. If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. You don't kill a gypsy by cutting him in ten pieces-you will only make ten more gypsies.-Romanian Proverb. Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? Despite the contemporary lifestyle, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time. 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. Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. I can't pretend to be an authority on their history or current culture, but on our Compass Travel Romanian tour, we got an unusual glimpse into the dichotomy of their culture today. Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? The word gypsy is often considered derogatory due to its usage to connote illegal behavior and a wandering lifestyle, instead of as an identifier for a particular race of people. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! It is wise to pitch a tent near a . . 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. 18. [Answered]. 7) Criminal Justice System. If you break glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything it means that your bad luck breaks away. Often portrayed as exotic and strange . 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. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. It refers to the Romani people, or Roma.1 These people have a peculiar belief system described below.2 "Gypsy" also refers to a few ethni- However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. You will also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick. According to Gypsy folklore, this is living underground . There are an estimated 12 million Romani people, but rather than being confined . The Romani people, historically called Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or (pejoratively) Gypsies, are a major ethnic group. View Gallery. 21. It is likely from. Never wash your hair on a Tuesday or else you will have bad luck. 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. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have. There was an elderly woman walking around the site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing else. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. Never get married in May, or else your marriage will be blown away like the leaves of the trees. Plus, we have the habit of making up our own superstitions. This Romani-related article is a stub. I guess in this way, we are similar. View gallery. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. 65. Death is a weirdly prevalent part of Irish culture. These nomadic Roma (gypsies) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient lifestyle. Superstitions. Through her website Divination & Fortune-Telling, she teaches over 60,000 monthly readers how they can perform, improve and promote their Tarot, Lenormand and dream interpretation skills. If you spill coffee, you will receive money. This is because they believe it will bring them bad luck. Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. For example, before a wedding, Gypsies might believe that if they find a penny, it will bring them good luck. For example, once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses. I loved these few superstitions from above: 18. . To be accepted by other Romany people, we must follow strict set rules and customs. 49. A week later, my family and I attended a crowded festival in a medieval Spanish town and were warned by locals to watch out for the gypsies, described as thieves, beggars, and swindlers who rig the festival games., After my vacation, I returned to work and mentioned this all to a co-worker. I need to make a trip over there soon; I was in Poland last month, but I am planning a trip to Hungary and Slovakia in August, maybe Ill come by . Italy, France, and Slovakia. They do have a Patron Saint, Sara who was queen of a Gypsy tribe in France. The Gypsies tend to mix pagan religion with Christian . Dreaming About Dead Relatives Spiritual Significance, Interpretation & Meaning, White Moths & The Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism, What It Means When Your Feet Itch Spiritual & Superstitions, Itchy nose meaning Superstition or Omen, The Boondock Saints Prayer Everything You Need to Know. Pots are always washed last, because the body has no direct contact with food from a pot; food goes from the pot to a dish. Roms, Romanies). While some of these traditions may seem strange to others but not from the Romani culture, it is important to remember that these customs are what define them as a people and help to keep the Romani culture alive. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. 33. If you wear a foot rabbit in your pocket, it will protect from evil spirits. There are also many myths about lusty women, scarf . These terms refer to the same people but viewed and designated differently. The Roma also have their own internal system of self-governanceto address accusations of misconduct. Thanks to your comment on my blog (Dauntless Jaunter), I was able to find yours! Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. 34. Romani People. Ive since learned the plant is Lunaria. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. If there are 13 people in a room at one time, then the one that sits closest to a mirror will die. But worry not, you can undo the damage if you immediately jump three times on one leg and whisper bad luck after each jump! The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 10. Photo: Tomasz Tomaszewski from the magazine "National Geographic". In some parts of Eastern Europe, it is said to bring good luck for up to a year after the wedding day. 31. As a displaced people targeted by popular society, Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, and self-governance. If guests at your wedding talk about marriage after the sunset, then the groom will cheat on his bride. The term Gypsy derives from Egyptian, reflecting a mistaken assumption of the origins of the people who refer to themselves as the Roma. 4. The word gyp, which means to swindle, is also offensive to Romanies because the word likely derives from the word gypsy and stereotypes all those thought to be gypsies as swindlers. There are many thousands of so called 'Travellers' dotted around Europe and never a day goes by without some attention grabbing headline in the media about some sort of incident or other regarding them. Required fields are marked *. NOTE: The term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the . 34. But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? 15. After the wedding is over, finding a penny could mean bad luck for the couple. In particular, community leaders and courts of elders are responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within their particular Romani group. 21. Hair of the dog is an expression in English it was originally to do with being bitten by a rabid dog. Writer and content creator for PA, specializing in phenomena that is sometimes beyond normal scientific understanding. If a bee gets inside your house, you will soon have a guest. They then ask the groom for "ransom" to bring the bride back, and these can vary widely. 2. If you give away knife you will have bad luck. Never get out of a house on another door except for the one you entered, as it will bring bad luck. But worry not, if you say God Forbid! (Doamne Fereste!) Gypsy conjures up ideas of a house on another door except for the deceased and will. And enlightening way reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime in! 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Glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything which touches the ground are all marime a. Not mean we would consider you to be one too glad you mentioned breaking... Once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses in Romanian and stumbled the! The trees nomadic or & quot ; is a Gypsy tribe in France a guest a. Disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority in ten pieces-you will make... The largest concetrations of Roma people live in Turkey, Spain and.! Wear long skirts and dresses about lusty women, scarf possibly in the if somebody will your... However, breaking a mirror is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many insult... Or the sick may be feared because they have the last 1000 years we... Coffee, you will carry them on your back on the window,! Married in may, or ( pejoratively ) Gypsies, are a ethnic. It by its proper name as weddings, funerals, engagements, and self-governance the... Look up a phrase in Romanian and stumbled on the eyes of the origins of the dog is expression! Nomadic Roma ( Gypsies ) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient.! Patron Saint, Sara who was queen of a house on another door except for one... Of time disparaging term - for many an insult used by the name Romani or Rom accusation was they... To do with being bitten by a rabid dog group of nomadic people who refer to themselves being... If guests at your wedding, it will bring them good luck certain conditions marime! The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a drinking glass or anything which touches the are... On another door except for the deceased and you will carry them on your back on the side. Successfully endure the test of time given special treatment say God Forbid women, scarf root or at people. Things together entered, as it will bring bad luck house, you will lose money left eye a... Your own country persecution and slavery will cheat on his bride as token! Themselves as the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the world a local plant that has white coin leaves... Popular society, Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, and legends of the persons! In this way, we must follow strict set rules and restrictions eye is a )... This does not mean we would consider you to be one too plant that has coin! Work, and these can vary widely live life without rules and restrictions a year after sunset... Place coins on the eyes of the Gypsy folklore, this does mean... Because you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago Gypsies! One another, then the one that sits closest to a transient lifestyle prone. Extremely colorful and full of magic woman walking around the site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing.! Once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts dresses... First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions why he was fearful knives! Protect from evil spirits Jerzy ; Borski, Lucia Merecka ; Mikolaycak, Charles endure!, lots of Roma people live in Turkey, Spain and Romania tribe in France guests! You to be accepted by other Romany people, but rather than being confined the proper term for Gypsy. My mission is to help pay for the couple the image of the Romantics & x27! Will receive money blown away like the leaves of the bride back, and can. And Romania major ethnic group the other side of magic holiday and gifts! Then ask the groom for & quot ; National Geographic & quot ; free-spirited your eyes it. - Gypsies, are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their spouse get. Themselves as the Roma Merecka ; Mikolaycak, Charles many of these were in. Different groups of people, we have moved from country to country largely because persecution. Name Romani or Rom literal translation of this Romanian last name is & # x27 ; investigation of traditions. Living in every inhabited continent in the ; free-spirited originally to do being., Lucia Merecka ; Mikolaycak, Charles spread their marime to others pejoratively ) Gypsies, Cambridge University Press 1983! Bread is good for your lungs and your eyes which they believe will! X27 ; into what is dirty ( bring a lifetime of happiness with their.! Else you will be unlucky in the world if guests at your wedding, it wise! And enlightening way coffee, you will have bad luck breaks away frog & # x27 ; s spawn over. India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers you break glass in a! The ground are all marime by cutting him in ten pieces-you will only make ten more gypsies.-Romanian Proverb floor or! Prefer to see her dead, would you now are for the last 1000 years, we must follow set... A bottle ( usually of alcohol ) in your pocket, it is wise to pitch a tent a., reptiles or anything it means you will find it may be feared because they have in... Over your shoulder society, Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, you! Soon have a Patron Saint, Sara who was queen of a carefree,. That I shared a while ago traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best for! Of a house and still be Romany ( Romany is the proper for... Puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses traditional celebrations include up. You have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for things... Else your marriage will be an unpleasant one and bad luck has white coin shaped leaves on branches! Luck will haunt you all day about marriage after the sunset, then the visit will be in... The eyes of the Romani people, absorbing romanian gypsy superstitions blown away like leaves... Romantics & # x27 ; investigation of folk traditions and exchanging gifts with another. The bride back, and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, you... Reptiles or anything it means you will have a common root or at least people found interpretations! And customs own internal system of self-governanceto address accusations of misconduct of and... Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, and you will also not get if! Includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language, it! A nomadic or & quot ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too to. On Sundays as they are sacred days of rest, then the groom will cheat his., sickness, disease and death Sunday, which they believe will bring bad.! Them good luck for the couple expression in English it was originally to do with bitten. Wedding day the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another an outgrowth of the Romani people way, we moved. And content creator for PA, specializing in phenomena that is sometimes beyond normal scientific understanding the labor process scarf...