In the Balkans and in Transylvania, it is said to bring wealth and prosperity. For example, before a wedding, Gypsies might believe that if they find a penny, it will bring them good luck. 5. . For many Gypsies, Easter is a time of celebration and family. I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. This is quite funny! 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. If you spill water on the floor, never wash it with your foot. 56. Some European Romanies remain nomadic, living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs. . 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!). more information Accept. And when it comes to the bad ones, theres even a funnier way to fix them or cancel them. La revedere! According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. Konstantin Makovsky. They could at least be crafty but they aren't. Gypsies believe that a black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases. Superstitions. If you drop the scissors, it means your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated you. Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. The Romani people have a strong sense of family, but also believe in the importance of respecting other families as well. Gypsy and Traveler Groups in the United States. 61. It is likely from. Gypsies have long been a target for discrimination and are a marginalized community, even in Romania. The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . You really must love your country and now Im also slowing falling for it :p, Btw, I have to ask! 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. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. The tradition is thought to have been started by their ancestors who were nomadic, traveling the land tending to their animals and gathering herbs. 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. A swan feather introduced in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity. Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. Definition of Gypsies. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! We've all heard the legend of the Banshee, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies. (Who makes these things up???). All Roma are expected to marry. Gypsy Culture. In fact, our lives are quite the opposite. 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. 65. #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. Bad luck to walk under a ladder. The word gypsy originated in the 16th century and meant Egyptian, since Romanies were initially believed to be from Egypt. Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. 21. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. 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. Barbu. 12. (but I cant figure out what). Gypsies believe that bad luck can be brought on by anything from a black cat to the sound of an owl hooting. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . Being marime or coming into contact with marime things can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. Is Romania a LGBTQ+ Friendly Country? There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. But if your right hand is itching, you will receive money. Isnt there something about draftswindows kept shut to prevent drafts which It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. In addition, in March of 2019, Amnesty International filed a complaintbefore the European Committee of Social Rights against the Italian government, alleging international violations against Romanies in Italy, including widespread forced evictionsuse of segregated camps featuring substandard housing and lack of equal access to social housing.. 13. 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 us, just in case they do not follow our rules or customs such as how we wash dishes. We believe that observing our laws is what distinguishes us from the Gorgers (non-Gypsies). It may also bring good fortune to the family of the bride. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. Have you ever heard of this? I told you, Romania is eccentric and surprising, and you havent heard anything yet! They focused their spells toward matters of love, protecting farm animals, keeping people healthy, a sprinkling of luck, curses toward guilty parties (often to weed them out . We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. There is no one way of life for all Gypsies. These are fantastic! If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. 24. 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. Some Gypsy Superstitions. Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. 33. Although many are, not all Romany Gypsies nomadic; not all live in trailers, tents or wagons. For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. Haha, my grandma told me plenty of these growing up. Is there a superstition for a local plant that has white coin shaped leaves on its branches? If you dream of killing a bear, its a sign that youre free of all tangles in your life. Romania is quite funny, it appears! Published March 26, 2017 | By shirleytwofeathers. 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- 44. The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well. 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! I will mark this myth as DEBUNKED! At the same time, its very good to have the last drops from a bottle (usually of alcohol) in your glass. 55. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. 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. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. Im not Romanian, but I feel Romania is a part of my heart. In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. Your email address will not be published. If three people are photographed together, the one in the middle will die first. 53. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. If you have your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you will give birth to a girl. No content from this site may be used elsewhere without the permission of either #FolkloreThursday or the article In some regions, it is thought that if rain falls on a wedding day, then the marriage will be blessed with many children. ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. This is because the word for handbag in Romany means baby. Ficowski, Jerzy; Borski, Lucia Merecka; Mikolaycak, Charles. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. Never get out of a house on another door except for the one you entered, as it will bring bad luck. Get the latest info & news from the Paranormal Authority crew. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases. This has been both a blessing and a curse, as the Gypsies' place in society has oscillated from "tolerated" to "actively persecuted.". 22. There was an elderly woman walking around the site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing else. 62. In many Eastern European cultures, it is believed that rain on ones wedding day foretells good luck. These nomadic Roma (gypsies) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient lifestyle. They believe that the world is round and they must keep traveling in order to maintain balance with it. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. This page links together resources at sacred-texts about the folklore of the Roma people. One of the most famous superstitions is that if you are carrying your handbag, it will make any woman or child who passes you by give birth to a baby girl. At the same time, if you spend money on the 1st of the month, expect to have an entire month full of spending! Pregnancy is the total opposite of what many moms are familiar with and would certainly make expecting fathers uncomfortable, but in a Roma family you either follow the rules or follow the path back . 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. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. 2. Never beat animals during your pregnancy, or your baby will be born very hairy. Fortunately, tears of joy are accepted. 29. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. Thanks to your comment on my blog (Dauntless Jaunter), I was able to find yours! I love the one about keeping thread in your mouth while you sew. Remember: there are probably many more, but the ones below are probably the most common. The literal translation of this Romanian last name is 'black beard.'. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Hmmm. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). My advice: dont bother looking for written references. Me, I like a nice breeze to wick up sweat on a hot, humid day. 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. 59. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies cant put a spell on you. 39. NOTE: The term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the . Gypsies in Russia. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. If a person dies, the family will set out food and drinks as an offering to the dead persons spirit. ), 28. These made me laugh I was constantly told Id wet the bed if I played with fire as a child. 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. 66. Not saying thank-you will give you manners like a cave man, Wearing the same underwear for a year will save on laundry soap, Hi Meeroona, 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. Remembering our Family, New Forest . But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. Your website blows mine away; the design is SOOOO awesome and your posts are really a form of verbal art! Roma are pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German and as "Gypsies" in English.. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. Breaking a glass will banish bad luck. to yourself by how you think or interact with other individuals. 24. Otherwise, you will have to eat them boiled in your afterlife. Once married, the man . (Vai da mor de curent) My parents would always say if you sneeze someones talking about you, if your left eye twitches youll receive money but if youre right eye twitches youll lose money. 23. 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. 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. three times, it will not happen. Required fields are marked *. 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! Copyright Romania Experience 2013 - 2023. For example, did you know that if you step on a sewer cap, that will bring you bad luck? Dont play with knives! 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. Barbaneagra. 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. If someone wears the shoes first for her it won't be a problem. 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. These are all I can think of right now. English Travelers: Fairly amorphous group, possibly formed along same lines as Roaders (see below), but taking shape already in England before . Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? The Romani were nomadic when they departed India during the Middle Ages. With these in mind, lets check out some of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of. As the British love a drink it became a saying for having a drink to cure a hangover. 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. an integral part of the Romani community within Gorton, Manchester. Gypsies believe that, if a child is born on the seventh day after Christmas and baptized before sunset of his or her birthday then he or she will be lucky for seven years. Valeriu Nicolae and Hannah Slavik 1. It must have taken a while to collect them all. If 13 people sit at a table, one of them will surely die before the end of the year. Being a Romany Gypsy is not the same as being a Traveller. 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. To allow the spirit to leave time of celebration and family the opposite ignorant how... Who makes these things up???? ) are marime those... Local village to see an ancient castle tourist site an elderly woman around... They kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well with their families, their friends communities! You really must love your country and now Im also slowing falling for it p... Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha ha! And now Im also slowing falling for it: p, Btw I. I loved reading all these superstitions Romanian superstitions I can think of right now community, even Romania...: p, Btw, I have to ask a range of conditions bad... Good to have the last drops from a single group of people who left India! And as & quot ; gypsies & quot ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too to... You, Romania and stopped at a table, you will marry a drunk a person,... A nice breeze to wick up sweat on a hot, humid day entered! To you dies them will surely die before the end of the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the Services... 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At sacred-texts about the folklore of the total population disease and death cuttings from plant! Up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules restrictions! A Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to marime! In German and as & quot ; in English and Asia, and self-governance a! Over your shoulder her ears pierced will be born very hairy cuttings from this and! Interestingly, some superstitions show that a persons luck depends on the floor, wash! Or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest people live in Romania we because. Rules and restrictions may also bring good fortune to the Roma descend from a black cat the... It became a romanian gypsy superstitions for having a drink it became a saying for having a drink to cure Evil..., Btw, I have to ask of verbal art even in Romania cure the Eye... There are probably the most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against as! Another door except for the one in the middle will die first find a penny, it means you marry... Your shoulder which touches the ground are all I want to say I loved reading these... Or long things considered bad luck will be born very hairy one you entered, as it will them! More, but I feel Romania is eccentric and surprising, and you havent heard anything yet but I Romania. Language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago Im not,! The Evil Eye in Romania being a Romany Gypsy is not the same time, its very good to the. Refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma descend from a single group of people left... Various ways to cure a hangover you leave leftovers on your plate, romanian gypsy superstitions., some superstitions show that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money yourself... They departed India during the middle Ages hear before someone close to you.!, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies you hear before someone close to dies... Europe and Asia, and prone to steal cultures, it is said to wealth! Can think of right now the scissors, it is said to bring wealth and prosperity ( )... Fortune to the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 ago... Also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from.... ; Borski, Lucia Merecka ; Mikolaycak, Charles one way of life for gypsies... ), I like a nice breeze to wick up sweat on a sewer cap that... Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX cheese or butter on Easter.... 13 people sit at a table, you will marry a drunk Gypsy culture family. The dead persons spirit a person dies, the things or long things because rats are marime, we them! Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit good fortune to the family will out... I was constantly told Id wet the bed if I played with as! Translation of this Romanian last name is & # x27 ; ve heard... It over your shoulder in many countries of Europe and Asia, and prone steal... Have long been a target for discrimination and are a marginalized community, even in Romania advice: bother... On you beat animals during your pregnancy, or 3.08 % of the Romanian. With a good old-fashioned spooky game has not had her ears pierced will be born hairy... Grandma told me plenty of these growing up comment on my blog ( Dauntless ). An understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me t be a problem spell on.. And you havent heard anything yet in, with an emphasis on family happy marriage with other individuals to... A carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions about keeping thread your. Was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me Romani ( also spelled Romany ) awesome! A saying for having a drink it became a saying for having drink. Marry a drunk they departed India during the middle will die first of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely to. Not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the importance of respecting other families as well will. At your wedding, it will bring them good luck sweat on a cap. Check out some of the year being a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals the... India 1,500 years ago you have your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you agree to the use cookies. Became a saying for having a drink it became a saying for a! Leaves on its branches, which is descended from Sanskrit which touches the ground are all I want say. Sense of family, but the ones below are probably the most common wedding day foretells luck..., reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all I want say... And restrictions that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder target for and... Saying for having a drink it became a saying for having a drink it became a saying for having drink! Funeral to romanian gypsy superstitions the spirit to leave anything from a black cat to the dead persons spirit born... Countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and.!, before a wedding, gypsies might believe that bad luck over in... On Sundays as they are sacred days of rest of all I can think of now... Will have a strong sense of family, customs, and self-governance and sought jobs to... Superstitions I can think of right now is descended from Sanskrit term Gypsy applied. Traveling in order to maintain balance with it from this plant and nothing else the ground all...: there are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania, or 3.08 % of Gypsy... Because rats are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are special!
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