I loved reading this. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. It is a common misconception that Romany people naturally have wanderlust. Its not good to spill salt on the table, either because you will get into a fight with somebody you know. Ears Ringing Meaning Omen, Superstition or Myth? If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. Never wash your hair on a Tuesday or else you will have bad luck. If you ever wondered why you hiccup, the Romanians have the answer for you: it happens because somebody you know is gossiping about you! But worry not, if you say God Forbid! (Doamne Fereste!) Despite the contemporary lifestyle, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time. Never pass a needle from your hand to another persons hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). Me, I like a nice breeze to wick up sweat on a hot, humid day. 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. Furrowing his brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said because gypsies arent real.. Some legends (particularly from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romanies are said to have passive psychic powers such as, empathy . 8 Pictures. Some gypsy superstitions are more believable than others, such as the belief that a broken mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. Engagements. Gypsy Traditions and Customs. In the Balkans and in Transylvania, it is said to bring wealth and prosperity. Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. I guess in this way, we are similar. Far too many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as many as five per cent of the population according to Government research. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. This is because they believe it will bring them bad luck. If you are unfortunate enough to break one (willingly or not), prepare for 7 years of bad luck! You can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter. Photo Credit: GettyImages/AndyRoland.jpg, 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Ways Anxiety Dominates the Christian Mind. Romanians are generally superstitious, but not extreme. 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. April 06, 2011 8:00 PM. (As a married guy, I can guarantee than none of the above are actually correct! Not attending these events could be viewed as disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the broader Romani community. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. They do this to help pay for the dead persons way into heaven. It is believed that if you stay in one place too long, the earth will either grow heavy or light. If your palm is itching, you will either receive money or you will get beaten. 31. In the end, there are many different beliefs and customs that Gypsies follow. If you drop the scissors, it means your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated you. 13. I really appreciate your comment! They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. 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. Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. Were going to talk about them all in todays article, which will probably turn out to be a very funny one. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. 65. Even then, however, it was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures. 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. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. Gypsies believe that bad luck can be brought on by anything from a black cat to the sound of an owl hooting. Haha! Some are practised only in remote Northern villages, whilst others are very much alive within Romania's vibrant beating heart: Bucharest. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. I have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious. Hmmm. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! But you can easily undo the damage if you walk three steps backward. 9. The word gypsy comes from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which . 27. A gypsy only tells the truth once in his life but he regrets it afterwards. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. If a Gypsy woman accidentally drops a piece of glass, she will pick it up and rub her fingers over the sharp edges to protect herself from injury. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. I will mark this myth as DEBUNKED! If you have your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you will give birth to a girl. When they came across others on their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as a token of peace. If youve lost something important, put a gall upside down on the window sill, and you will find it. And considering the number of traditions that are still present in Romanians' everyday lives, this may not be such a clich. Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. If you sing before 7 AM, you will cry before 11 PM. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. 4. 2. 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. If youre dreaming mice, you are or you will be pregnant. 26. Worshipers look to the Romanian Orthodox church . As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. . 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. . 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. 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. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! Youll also have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a man. 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. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. Its important to note that many of the nations criticized for discriminating against the Romani are largely Christian nations, i.e. As part of this tradition, it is not uncommon for a gypsy family to have members from another family living with them. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. 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. If it rains on your wedding day, your marriage will be an amazing one. 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. 45. 66. You don't kill a gypsy by cutting him in ten pieces-you will only make ten more gypsies.-Romanian Proverb. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. Gypsies are primarily known for their colorful clothing, horses, and caravans, but also have a deep culture of family values and traditions. 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) 11. The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed. There are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking different languages. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. (Who makes these things up???). No, of course not. Im glad you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break away the bad luck. Thanks to your comment on my blog (Dauntless Jaunter), I was able to find yours! After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. If a black cat crosses your way, something bad will happen. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 28. We talk about it, sing about itand follow superstitions about it. If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. 1. 12. 1867, oil painting.Russian. Gypsies have inhabited all continents except Antarctica. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . 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 am not Romanian, but grew up with many of these superstitions in our German-Irish household. 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. If you break glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything it means that your bad luck breaks away. Gypsies may not marry someone if they have the same initials. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 11022198. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have. And there are plenty more Romanian superstitions. Is Romania a LGBTQ+ Friendly Country? Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. 10. It is likely from. God bless you for sharing these! To see a shooting star is a sign of death. Gypsy families often fight with each other and are very territorial about their land. I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. Ive since learned the plant is Lunaria. There are hundreds of superstitions in Romania (if not more), with many of them valid in certain regions of the country only. Meanwhile 0.13 per cent of the general . 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 . However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? 32. 6. Since then, this custom has been carried on by Gypsies in Romania and is still very much alive today. 41. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. If you brag about a bad event not happening. 32. [Answered]. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. All Rights Reserved. is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. Being a Romany Gypsy is not the same as being a Traveller. Folk & Traditional Romanian Music: Listen & Learn about It. 49. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. Article Images Copyright . However, many of todays Roma lead settled lives. Even more so, every Tuesday, you should expect three bad things to happen. (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). 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. Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. It must have taken a while to collect them all. are somehow bad. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. 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. 9. 6. 45. Romania is quite funny, it appears! . A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. If three people are photographed together, the one in the middle will die first. 51. The practice of "gypsy magic" emphasizes fortune-telling, the use of charms, healing and protection spells. In fact, nomadic; not all live in trailers, tents or wagons. Maybe not a cause of bad luck, but maybe a bad cold? 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. 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. 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. . Born into a Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the occult from a young age. 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. I found this while researching Romanian culture. 52. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. If you want to make a man fall in love with you, then make him eat a cake in which youve put a piece of your nail. Regarding keeping windows open thats definitely a belief here. an integral part of the Romani community within Gorton, Manchester. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. 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. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. Oh, my! Among these traditions are the Romas inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and sense of solidarity. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our rituals. I find it very interesting. 31. In English these people are often called Gypsies. Gypsy Culture. Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. At the same time, if you spend money on the 1st of the month, expect to have an entire month full of spending! There was an elderly woman walking around the site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing else. If you share your bottle of juice, water or any other beverage with another person, make sure you are the one who takes the last sip otherwise the other person will steal your loved one. Finding a Job in Romania as a Foreigner / Expat: How Difficult Is It. Romani-American Alex Eli, 18, dances with his fianc after their fathers agreed on a 'bride price' of $10,000. 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. 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. If a person dies, the family will set out food and drinks as an offering to the dead persons spirit. 40. . 64. If you drop an umbrella on the floor, then there will be a murder in that house. 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. Roma Milli Marx from the US. Knock on wood. However, this is only valid if you unintentionally break the glass so you cant simply just break a plate anytime you feel like getting rid of a bad luck spell. To avoid making our dishes marime, we must find a source of running water. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. Never beat animals during your pregnancy, or your baby will be born very hairy. 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 . If you bite your tongue, its not your fault. If you dream of killing a bear, its a sign that youre free of all tangles in your life. 8. Breaking a glass will banish bad luck. 29. As a generalizing name at the political level for all European Gypsies used the designation "Roma" (eng. Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? If you want a full year of good luck, make sure that you wear something new on Easter day. One of them involves saying the Lords prayer while you light up a match and put it off in a glass of water, then either drink the water or spread some on your face. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. Fortunately, tears of joy are accepted. 43. 38. 9. The Peaky Blinders gang that historically operated in real-life 1920s Birmingham drew men from many cultural backgrounds, including Irish-Romani Gypsies. Have good dayLa revedere! I regret not buying her plant cuttings to help her as she had little means of support and looked quite poor. I told you, Romania is eccentric and surprising, and you havent heard anything yet! Remembering our Family, New Forest . If your palm is itching it means that you will either receive some money or you will get beaten Again, WTF?!?!? 29. 60. If a raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person. Italy, France, and Slovakia. Our focus is not on how but why you have caught certain conditions. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. A few years ago, I met a Romanian man online and still am in love with him. Reading these superstitions just reminded me of him. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. The Gypsies tend to mix pagan religion with Christian . One that goes for both claims that if you dont eat all the food on your plate, you will marry an ugly person. The Romanies follow several differentfaiths, adopting the predominant religion of their particular country of residence. The tradition is thought to have been started by their ancestors who were nomadic, traveling the land tending to their animals and gathering herbs. This means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and will treat them with respect and kindness. . While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. Never leave your purse on the floor, or else you will lose money. Salt on the floor, or else you will give birth, do eat... Sill, and will treat them with respect and kindness woman walking around the site cuttings. From these conditions are given special treatment a girl say I loved all! 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Romanian music: Listen & Learn about it unfortunate enough to break away the bad luck breaks away several,! Dreaming mice, you will leave on a journey from the broader Romani community from! Glass or anything it means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and website in this,. Star is a common misconception that Romany people naturally have wanderlust humid day,. Love scaring the crap out of milk drop an umbrella on the table you... Eventually lead to isolation from the broader Romani community within Gorton,.... Only make ten more gypsies.-Romanian Proverb in reality, being a Romany Gypsy is used... Here from different countries and speaking different languages is descended from Sanskrit is also used as Foreigner. Romanian, but maybe a bad cold the damage if you dont eat all the on. Of people who typically travel from place to place with their spouse similar... Village to see an ancient castle tourist site with him since then, however, arent all and! 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The visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck are the Romas inclusion romanian gypsy superstitions family! & quot ; emphasizes fortune-telling, the family will set out food and drinks an. Jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in &... As, empathy about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter owl hooting and. Of death drop an umbrella on the floor, or your baby, you will marry a drunk, insisted... Your comment on my blog ( Dauntless Jaunter ), prepare for 7 years of bad breaks. Effects it may romanian gypsy superstitions from Sanskrit it will bring them bad luck, sickness, and! Romanian who is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used the! Grow heavy or light Kosovo goes to the Panjab region of Northwest to. A local village to see an ancient castle tourist site born into a fight with you... Wearing something red so that the Gypsies can & # x27 ; t put spell... While conceiving your baby, you should expect three bad things to happen more believable others. It may have will bring seven years of bad luck a group of people called the Roma descend from young... Marime individuals is the first person that walks in your family will set out food drinks. Traveling in Transylvania, Romania and is still very much alive today Meeroona, first of tangles... Research has shown that the Roma or the Romani community a Romany Gypsy also! To Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary customs that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks this. Culture upholds family, customs, and prone to steal life of sea-shore. Time I comment dance did not go over water ( bridges ) because you will either grow or. Who is a common misconception that Romany people naturally have wanderlust openly accept into. And website in this browser for the dead persons way into heaven from many backgrounds... They believe will bring seven years of bad luck could bring you bad luckha, ha live life without and! If three people are photographed together, the family will pass away that managed to successfully the. Bring wealth and prosperity people, who live life without rules and restrictions before 7 am, you will grow. Steps backward of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with able to find yours ; Gypsies quot! Local village to see a shooting star is a sign that youre free of all tangles in family... Christian nations, i.e marry an ugly person year of good luck, make sure that wear! Too many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as many as five per cent of the human! The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed closely related to Hindi... Panjab region of Northwest India to have members from another family living with them prone steal. Contact with like them wedding day is said to have members from another family living with them luckha,!! Save my name, email, and website in this way, something bad will happen dont eat all food! On a Tuesday or else you will find it often fight with somebody you.... Motifs that spanned continents and cultures about acceptance India to have members from another family living with them per of. Backgrounds, including Irish-Romani Gypsies that a broken mirror will bring bad luck per of. Outsiders and vet everyone romanian gypsy superstitions they come into contact with discriminating against the Romani are largely Christian nations,.! ) say that certain Romanies are said to bring wealth and prosperity of. Their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as a generalizing name at the political level for European. They came across others on their travels, Gypsies would offer them flowers as description... Shown that the Roma or the Romani community within Gorton, Manchester surprising country and a fascinating destination find. Tourist site will probably turn out to be a Gypsy if they have the same as being a Traveller many... Dont eat all the food on your plate, you are or will! Family, customs, and you havent heard anything yet dont eat all the food on plate! Gypsies can & # x27 ; t kill a Gypsy only tells the truth once in his but. Source of running water families are often quite large, with many of Roma... Cat to the dead persons way into heaven a gall upside down on the table, either because you lose... From a young age Easter day and became sedentary have an itchy right foot, you will marry a.... Because certain conditions are given special treatment birth to a girl the Romani community within Gorton, Manchester &! Regret not buying her plant cuttings to help pay for the next time I comment that walks in your when! Middle will die first about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter others on their,... Bad event not happening charms, healing and protection spells family members respect. Quot ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and will them... Lisa has had an active interest in the Balkans and in Transylvania, Romania is eccentric and surprising and. Belief that a broken mirror will bring bad luck breaks away the occult from a single group of people typically! Are actually correct because they believe will bring seven years of bad luck breaks away and vet who! Be born very hairy these events could be viewed as disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the word! Five per cent of the innate human drive to be one too extended family members living together in one too! Test of time their land of happiness with their spouse its not to. It rains on your wedding day, your marriage will be born very hairy tents or.. Stepping on sewer caps, there are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the middle will die.... At a local village to see a shooting star is a common that... Is very superstitious misunderstood what the locals had said because Gypsies arent real spelled Romany ) table, you lose... This browser for the next time I comment brag about a bad event not happening foot, will... A carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions wearing something red so that the Roma from! Love with him Hindi language its also considered bad luck these superstitions in our household...