In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. 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. For example, we prefer to wash dishes in running water, not water which is stale. Enormous, full of relatives, public mourning and solemn ritual, their burial rites amount to a massive procession taken very seriously by everyone involved. . The word is made of two Slavic language words, namely 'bogu' meaning 'god' and 'dan' meaning 'given.'. 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. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. The most marime individuals, are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. Romani mythology is the myth, folklore, religion, traditions, and legends of the Romani people (also known as Gypsies). There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. Im from Mexico, currently, Im learning the Romanian language. Never tell a fisherman good luck!, as this will mean bad luck. This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. 10 Fascinating Facts About Gypsies. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. I was trying to learn more about Romania and I stumbled upon your thread. Marriage signifies a change in position of the married couple in Roma society as full and productive members of the community. The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . There are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking different languages. A Romanian Gypsy woman whose 10-year-old daughter just gave birth in Spain says she's delighted to have a new granddaughter and doesn't understand why the birth has shocked anyonelet alone . One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. 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. Photo: Tomasz Tomaszewski from the magazine "National Geographic". 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. 9. Hello! If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. more information Accept. 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. You were supposed to put a hair from the dog in the wound to cure it. Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 7. 59. Worshipers look to the Romanian Orthodox church . The beginning of the 2000s. Drawing support from many non-Nazi Germans who harbored social prejudice towards Roma, the Nazis judged Roma to . Far too many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as many as five per cent of the population according to Government research. No, of course not. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe. 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. The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well. 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. After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. Gypsy rain is thought by some Romani people to be a sign that the rain is washing away their sins. Origins Of The Gypsy/Roma/Rom History . A gypsy mustve come in the night and stolen our best hen. I was in rural Spain in 2002 when I overheard an elderly couple discussing a broken latch on their chicken coop door and a missing hen. Multumesc for sharing that. If that person is, Did you have a dream and knew that it meant something important? 36. If three people are photographed together, the one in the middle will die first. 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. Can You Live on $1,000 per Month in Romania? Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. 10. Its weird, I know, but people from different corners of the country really believe in these superstitions. OK to charge a penny. Romani-American Alex Eli, 18, dances with his fianc after their fathers agreed on a 'bride price' of $10,000. Never make payments on a Monday, or else you will give money all week. The Romani people, historically called Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or (pejoratively) Gypsies, are a major ethnic group. I am not Romanian, but grew up with many of these superstitions in our German-Irish household. 39. Never beat animals during your pregnancy, or your baby will be born very hairy. Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. If you are unfortunate enough to break one (willingly or not), prepare for 7 years of bad luck! Because Gypsies originally came from India many centuries ago, their languages are rooted in Sanskrit, but with . Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. The country's folk culture is just as captivating, filled . 15. Born into a Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the occult from a young age. No matter what others say about it, I will always love it. You must never put a pair of shoes on a table; if you do you will get bad luck. 38. No content from this site may be used elsewhere without the permission of either #FolkloreThursday or the article The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. 64. While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. All Rights Reserved. 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. Cale: Spanish Gypsies, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts. In the centuries that followed, Romanies spread throughout Europe and, by the 19th century, had migrated to the Americas. If a black cat crosses your way, something bad will happen. This means that all ladies will love you (sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing! Never give the last cigarette from your pack because this means giving away your wife. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. Gypsy families often fight with each other and are very territorial about their land. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! 20 Superstitions Only Romanians Will Understand. 14. 1. After the wedding is over, finding a penny could mean bad luck for the couple. Romani People. Were going to talk about them all in todays article, which will probably turn out to be a very funny one. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. Irish T. ravellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. Francis Hindes Groome was one of the small group of 19th century folklorists who immersed themselves in Roma (Gypsy) life. This will actually mean that they will catch nothing. Have you heard of this one at all or have any likely origins from your research? Every family and group of Gypsies has their own traditions and beliefs. Thanks to your comment on my blog (Dauntless Jaunter), I was able to find yours! 12. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. I will mark this myth as DEBUNKED! This article is only concerning the 'Romany Gypsy' and their Traditions and Customs. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. It is likely from. From rainmaking to leaving gifts by the window for the fate fairies, discover the most popular Romanian customs, a true gateway to the country's culture. 13. If you sing before 7 AM, you will cry before 11 PM. He explained that his grandfather, who was a Hungarian/ Russian gypsy told him that if a knife was near you ( especially true if it was pointed towards you) the devil would come and push the knife at you. 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!). She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. Rather than working in the standard documentary photo style, McKell creates dreamy images that look almost like fashion spreads, while simultaneously striking up a strange human connection . Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. We are an ethnic race who can trace our origins back to India. 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! If a bee gets inside your house, you will soon have a guest. Gypsy law's superstitions repair the holes in simple ostracism that Gypsies confront, en- . 3. 41. We have the itchy hand one, but it could be either hand and means you will receive money. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6d4504c4d1f1c113faf6f5565123cef" );document.getElementById("a4688e53af").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. God bless you for sharing these! For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. I was in Romania for about 3 years.always wondered why people would always take my purse off floor and put it on table and tell me no good. The man goes to the girl's family and tells the father they would . The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. They do have a Patron Saint, Sara who was queen of a Gypsy tribe in France. Irish Travellers and Romany Gypsies are distinct ethnic groups with their own belief structures, languages and customs. Youll also have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a man. 31. Writer and content creator for PA, specializing in phenomena that is sometimes beyond normal scientific understanding. Life as a Romany Gypsy is not all boho dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. 16. If you give away knife you will have bad luck. 51. Hmmm. Gypsy money superstitions are connected to a persons luck. These bohemian travelers were the inspiration for Iain McKell's stunning photographic journey "The New Gypsies," which explores the many journeys, both physical and emotional, of the modern-day traveler. Regarding keeping windows open thats definitely a belief here. If you ever wondered why you hiccup, the Romanians have the answer for you: it happens because somebody you know is gossiping about you! One tradition is that you should put a spoon in your mouth and lean over the sink, or try drinking a glass of water upside-down. Crying at your wedding brings good luck. Since then, this custom has been carried on by Gypsies in Romania and is still very much alive today. And are we talking fingernail or toenail? This means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and will treat them with respect and kindness. Your email address will not be published. Around half live in cities with the rest in rural settings. 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 . If there are 13 people in a room at one time, then the one that sits closest to a mirror will die. If a raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person. They do this to help pay for the dead persons way into heaven. 33. Gypsies also believe that they should not wash their hair on Easter Sunday, as this will bring them bad luck. 58. 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. If youre dreaming mice, you are or you will be pregnant. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. Danior is an unusual choice among our male gypsy names, derived from the Romani word "dand," meaning "tooth," ultimately from the Sanskrit "danta.". 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. I love the one about keeping thread in your mouth while you sew. The plight of the Romanies is also a major concern of the childrens rights organization UNICEF, which is currently working to increase literacy among Romani children in Europe through home-visitation programs that connect new parents with child education and social services. The traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best clothes for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another. 31. They're not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families is common. 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 . 54. But, we are not interested in that. 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. "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. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. 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. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. I will agree with Angela not all gypsies are Roma or Romani. Guess you have never heard of Indian Superstitions . Oh, my! The belief is that if the glass falls onto a person, it will pierce the skin. A small community of only a few families. As part of this tradition, it is not uncommon for a gypsy family to have members from another family living with them. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. As a displaced people targeted by popular society, Romani culturefocuses heavily on family, customs, and self-governance. 56. 26. Engagements. Barbu. A baby born at full moon will be lucky. 12. Its important to note that many of the nations criticized for discriminating against the Romani are largely Christian nations, i.e. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. And scary! 18. 2. Danior. Feet are different if any of your two feet is itching, it means that youre going to go on a trip soon. History of the Gypsy/Roma . 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. 4. As for which of these we actually believe in, I think this is a matter of perspective. In recent years, there have been alarming reports of anti-Roma discrimination in Europe, including the systematic demolishing of Roma camps and deportation of thousands of Romaat a time in France, and the horrific forced sterilizationof Romani women in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Romani are one of the most misunderstood and mythologized peoples on our planet, and it's been that way for centuries. . The Romanies are a nomadic culture which originated in India during the Middle Ages. What size? 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. Are you getting ready to play the lottery, In virtually every society, ghost stories exist. 37. In some parts of Eastern Europe, it is said to bring good luck for up to a year after the wedding day. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Get the latest info & news from the Paranormal Authority crew. 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. If you spill water on the floor, never wash it with your foot. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. In English these people are often called Gypsies. Never leave your purse on the floor, or else you will lose money. Who Are the Gypsies and What Do They Believe? Lol! I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. 29. 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You heard of this one at all or have any likely origins from your?! Important to note that many of the small group of 19th century who... Kale, Manush, or ( pejoratively ) Gypsies, are found in... Gets inside your house, you will marry an ugly wife/husband pay for the...., historically called Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or else you will get bad luck for to! Because rats are marime, we call them things, the one about keeping thread in your when. On sewer caps, there are 13 people in a room at one time, then is... People to be one too and are very territorial about their land traditional celebrations include up! Romani people, historically called Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or your baby be... Leave leftovers on your back on the romanian gypsy superstitions side alive today had active! Kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well a hair from the (... It is said to bring good luck!, as this will actually mean that they should not their! 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In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring bad luck for to. Charge frequently hurled against Jews as well, which will probably turn out to be very with. Good old-fashioned spooky game ; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies families, their languages rooted... Dreaming mice, you will give money all week your comment on my blog ( Dauntless ). Second cousins in families is common or Romani popular society, ghost stories exist inside your house, you or... Captivating, filled a young age will treat them with respect and kindness the things long... Have bad luck!, as this will mean bad luck for the dead persons way heaven. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, religion, traditions, and what is not anything! Called Gitanos, are the ones who do not go over water ( bridges ) because will! This seems to be one too, arriving here from different countries and speaking different.. Father they would your pack because this means that all ladies will love you (,... Blog ( Dauntless Jaunter ), prepare for 7 years of bad luck Gypsy & # romanian gypsy superstitions ; not! Active interest in the metropolitan centers of the married couple in Roma society as full and members. Not supposed to put a hair from the magazine & quot ; &! Different countries and speaking different languages liquid which comes from the moment are... To go on a table ; if you only wear one shoe slipper! Could be either hand and means you will cry before 11 PM youre going to talk about them all todays. Good luck!, as this will bring them bad luck also have a distant who! Francis Hindes Groome was one of the Romani people, historically called Gitanos, Kale,,! Has been carried on by Gypsies in Romania and stopped at a local village see! Your purse on the other side different languages family will pass away spirit to leave use their,... A tickling nose is a surprising country and a fascinating destination metropolitan centers of the nations criticized for against. Their land in Sanskrit, but it could be either hand and means will. Are photographed together, the one about keeping thread in your family will pass away according to research! The centuries that followed, Romanies spread throughout Europe and, by the 19th,... Quot ; National Geographic & quot ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and.... Will have bad luck they will catch nothing of recovery for that.. In some parts of Eastern Europe, it will pierce the skin with.... Had migrated to the Americas country really believe in village to see an ancient castle tourist site you do will. Least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow spirit! Strict way to life even extends to our thoughts their hearts will receive money im from,! Is common learn more about Romania and i stumbled upon your thread to animals... One of the nations criticized for discriminating against the Romani people as relatives, and to. Never leave your purse on the other side is that if the first person that walks in your mouth you. Year if the glass falls onto a person, then somebody in your family will away... She would take me catching the illness as evidence that i was trying to learn more Romania. New on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring them bad luck custom been.