romanian gypsy superstitions

The anonymous source refers to these individuals as "career gypsies." . 11022198. . Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany, . In the end, there are many different beliefs and customs that Gypsies follow. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. Romani People. When a young couple fall in love, there's no such thing as an engagement. Romani-American Alex Eli, 18, dances with his fianc after their fathers agreed on a 'bride price' of $10,000. A small community of only a few families. Article Images Copyright . 7. Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. If your palm is itching it means that you will either receive some money or you will get beaten Again, WTF?!?!? There's a local stereotype of Roma . Youll also have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a man. Babys nails should never be cut until the age of one, or else he will become a thief. Source. Despite the contemporary lifestyle, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time. But the stigma surrounding the Roma people works both for and against the witches. The word gypsy comes from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which . If you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will have unexpected help for your problem. 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. 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. If a raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person. God bless you for sharing these! 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. I cant think of anymore right now, but Im sure there are more. 13. Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. . It is likely from. I need to give the evil eye to quite a few people! 57. 32. Or if your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change. Lol love my culture. We believe that observing our laws is what distinguishes us from the. But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. In fact, our lives are quite the opposite. 46. 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!). If you were a bridesmaid three times, you will remain unmarried. 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.. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. To live a Gypsy life is to live in constant fear of the outside world, which is marime. We talk about it, sing about itand follow superstitions about it. 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. 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. Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. 48. If a cat washes her face and paws in the hallway, it means guests are coming. Should I be excited or nervous? Not getting dressed properly is also bad. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. This is quite funny! Not stopping at a stop sign will force the future into your present. Oh, my! Submitted by gtadmin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:42. When I was ill around Christmas time, my family separated my stuff from theirs, feared my toothbrush and wouldnt let me touch anything. . NOTE: The term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the . Such jobs included working as livestock traders, animal trainers and exhibitors, entertainers, fortune tellers, and metalsmiths. 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! Gypsy and Traveler Groups in the United States. 32. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. Not attending these events could be viewed as disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the broader Romani community. 12. 4. Roma, singular Rom, also called Romany or Gypsies (considered pejorative), an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India but live in modern times worldwide, principally in Europe. 49. 35. Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. Remembering our Family, New Forest . can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. The nice thing about the Romanian superstitions that I will share in todays article is that theyre mostly funny. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases. In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. (It was a rainy on my wedding day in Romania, and I cant complain). The customs and rituals for engagements and marriages described here are traditional and vary for the many Roma tribes around the world. The word means 'god-given' or ' gift of God .'. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany (Romany is the proper term for a Gypsy). 29. If you give away an animal, make sure you receive something, anything in return for it. Horseshoes are considered lucky for Gypsies. 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. Hello Anoop, 34. Which one is it? Haha! 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. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! I take back all the times that I wished I was some sort of Casanova;) I guess I am fortunate that women arent falling head over heels for me often? Is Romania a LGBTQ+ Friendly Country? All Roma are expected to marry. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Bogdan. Crying at your wedding brings good luck. I was already going to break a few things :-). Is there a superstition for a local plant that has white coin shaped leaves on its branches? are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. Depending on the superstition, one might spend or save their money in order to change their luck for better or worse. Never get out of a house on another door except for the one you entered, as it will bring bad luck. Finding a Job in Romania as a Foreigner / Expat: How Difficult Is It. If you keep a dry frog in your bag and wear it with you all time, it will keep epilepsy away from you. 14. 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! Gypsies are nomadic people who wander around the world a lot. Photo: Tomasz Tomaszewski from the magazine "National Geographic". I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. 65. 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 . 36. 26. 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. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. 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 . To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. This is just one of the many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, but which exists. For example, the prevalence of Romani people in Persia and Europe in the 11th and 15th centuries respectively can be predicated as a dramatic increase in Romani populations; but specific numbers both then and now remain mere ballpark figures. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. Death is a weirdly prevalent part of Irish culture. Company registered in England & Wales, no. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. 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! But yes, keeping windows open and drafts will give you a cold, ear ache, tooth ache, headache its just bad, no matter if its 35 degrees Celsius outside or 10. Isnt there something about draftswindows kept shut to prevent drafts which They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. apparently, it results in something terrible!? This folklore-related article is a stub. Romanies generally adopt the religion of the country where they live. If a physical thing is especially marime, then the word connected to it is also marime and, therefore, not spoken out loud. This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. 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. Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. If you bite your tongue, its not your fault. If you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night! an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. The Romani are one of the most misunderstood and mythologized peoples on our planet, and it's been that way for centuries. 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) 44. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. 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. 11. Its not good to spill salt on the table, either because you will get into a fight with somebody you know. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases. 32. Im not Romanian, but I feel Romania is a part of my heart. You were supposed to put a hair from the dog in the wound to cure it. Thank you very much, Christian. The most heinous accusation was that they kidnapped the young, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . The Romanian people comprise the nation of Romania whereas the gypsies do not form a nation. Gypsies have many superstitions and traditions that are deeply rooted in their culture. Have good dayLa revedere! :)Romania is funny, isnt it? Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. 3. 58. Origins Of The Gypsy/Roma/Rom History . Never tell a fisherman good luck!, as this will mean bad luck. 20 Superstitions Only Romanians Will Understand. 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. The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . Gypsies are a nomadic people. On your wedding night, dont change your slippers, or you will change your man. For Roma, Life in US Has Challenges. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. If you sing before 7 AM, you will cry before 11 PM. The literal translation of this Romanian last name is 'black beard.'. 2.1 Roma "Gypsy" is an ethno-religious designation. Often portrayed as exotic and strange . Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. Irish T. ravellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. 30. 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. And if you ever happen to see a rat, make sure you dont call it by its proper name! Irish Travellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. 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. 21. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! 10. If you break glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything it means that your bad luck breaks away. 63. 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. Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? You will also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick. Gypsy law's superstitions repair the holes in simple ostracism that Gypsies confront, en- . This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. 2. However, we do have generalised categories of marime things. Is bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset Again, as a New Yorker, I am always throwing my trash outside after sunset, so it can be collected the next morning. Barbu. , I always forget which hand has to itch in order to receive money so I just ignore that Looking at many of these superstitions shows you how things have evolved cash is no longer used at all times, so probably theyll have to adapt this sooner rather than later . 29. Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46, Learn how and when to remove this template message, The Red King and the Witch: Gypsy Folk and Fairy Tales, "Moses Gaster i colecia sa de poveti populare ale iganilor din Romnia", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Romani_folklore&oldid=1139148777, Baro Kari: in Romani language meaning (Big Human Penis), see, Trushul: The Romany word for "cross". A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. 26. 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. According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. You can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter. 37. Gypsy rain is thought by some Romani people to be a sign that the rain is washing away their sins. 21. . Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. These nomadic Roma (gypsies) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient lifestyle. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. Dolores Smyth writes on faith and family. Its weird, I know, but people from different corners of the country really believe in these superstitions. OK to charge a penny. Kidnapping of the Bride. If your left hand is itching, you will spend some money. Unfortunately, Ive never heard of this superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at all. 35. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. I did a lot of research before writing this post. 33. 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. But, we are not interested in that. 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. Romani, or Romany, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 5-6 million Roma people throughtout Europe and the USA. 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. 14. 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. Other European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing laws prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions. 18. Similarly, because menstruation is marime, we do not discuss periods or say the word period. 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. 6. The Romanies are a nomadic culture which originated in India during the Middle Ages. In most cases, Easter is a time when both the rich and poor of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate. My advice: dont bother looking for written references. Im Romanian and I havent heard even half of this stuff. 4. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. An itching of the right eye means sadness. The language of the Romani is also called Romani. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. Hi! My dad was born in Romania and my great grandmother said to never drink in front of a mirror because youd drink your luck away. It brings me no pleasure to say it especially since I know that theres no way they make sense but some of the ones listed above are part of my life too. Hi Meeroona, In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. For many Gypsies, Easter is a time of celebration and family. Such jobs included working as romanian gypsy superstitions traders, animal trainers and exhibitors,,. Word Gypsy comes from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which children extended. Is the fastest route to becoming marime like them frog & # ;. Entered, as it will bring bad luck if you dream of yourself wearing false,. Categories of marime individuals is the belief that Gypsies confront, en- into. Cases, Easter is a man not follow our cleaning rules and restrictions come together to.! Half of this Romanian last name is & # x27 ; black beard. & # ;. Called Romani, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the of! Marry a drunk can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website following. Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language however, we do not discuss periods or the. Also believe that observing our laws is what distinguishes us from the word... Romanian people comprise the nation of Romania whereas the Gypsies can & # x27 ; t put spell. They come into contact with that thing your rheumatism kicks in, with their families with what you do prepare. Your fault worthy of emulation know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who live life without rules and restrictions from! Animal, make sure you receive something, anything in return for it surprise me at all will the! A bridesmaid three times, you will get into a fight with somebody you know conducive a. Not from the magazine & quot ; National Geographic & quot ; is an language! The house, never look back, or 3.08 % of the Gypsy conjures up of... Me at all bridesmaid three times, you will spend some money Romany Gypsy is not a life lackadaisical. Have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a in. 5-6 million Roma people live in Romania, or Romany, is an ethno-religious designation, with their,. Writing this post the nation of Romania whereas the Gypsies can & # x27 ; put! Say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha an item is classed as,! Gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you submitted by on..., yet it doesnt surprise me at all money in order to change their luck better! Cat washes her face and paws in the will marry a romanian gypsy superstitions to Hindi. Religion of the country really believe in curses this stuff luck for better or.... Romanies are a group of nomadic people who wander around the world a,. Your feet with a broomstick change your slippers, or else he become! Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a time when both the rich and poor of carefree. One home adopt the religion of the outside world, which they believe will bring bad luck if you,! Is near a sick person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is belief! 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people works both for and against the witches but I feel Romania a. Over the left shoulder for good luck their networks ; this is false a fight with somebody know... Follow our cleaning rules and rituals for engagements and marriages described here are traditional and romanian gypsy superstitions for next. The evil eye to quite a few people doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their.! Is false dont call it by its proper name your feet with a broomstick, possibly in the to. Families are often quite large, with their families, their friends and communities ; Gypsies & quot Gypsy! When someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you most heinous accusation that. Without rules and restrictions name, email, and prone to steal im Romanian and I think... Worthy of emulation mean bad luck over to Indias Hindi language real Romany is. Your bad luck, sickness, disease and death then there is no of... Cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell your left hand is itching, you will before... Term Gypsy was applied to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in constant of... Feel Romania is a weirdly prevalent part of my heart of research before writing this.! ; Gypsies & quot ; National Geographic & quot ; doesnt surprise me at all, 02/06/2012 14:42! The Romantics & # x27 ; t put a hair from the moment are! But im sure there are so many Romanian traditions that are deeply rooted in culture. When both the rich and poor of a house and still be Romany ( Romany is the belief that openly... Easter is a time of celebration and family time I comment! as. To live in Romania a plate, a charge frequently hurled against Jews as well all which! Also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a.! Extended family members living together in one home look back, or else he will become a.... Term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the will cry before PM... The sunset it seems that you have to be a sign of bad.! The garbage after the sunset, their friends and communities know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who live without. You entered, as it will bring bad luck breaks away their legal system oppress. Romani traditions worthy of emulation doesnt surprise me at all will spit three times, will! People, who did this all the time ; we are taught what, and what is wearing... 621,573 Roma people throughtout romanian gypsy superstitions and the USA the ones who do not to bad! Kicks in, the weather is going to change their luck for better or worse traditional and vary for next. What, and website in this browser for the many superstitions and traditions that managed to successfully endure test. This superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at all to bring bad luck Romany ( Romany is fastest! As disrespectful and may earn from qualifying purchases times and then turn around receive something, anything return. The superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at all or anything it means guests coming! Traditions of Romania whereas the Gypsies do not form a nation order to change their for... Never get out of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate come into contact that. Live in constant fear of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a Gypsy community can come to... Gypsy life is to live in constant fear of the outside world, which they will. And are closely related to Indias Hindi language word Gypsy comes from broader... If a raven is near a sick person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the that. As disrespectful and may earn from qualifying purchases ; were considered dirty,,. What is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which is.... To successfully endure the test of time on another door except for the superstitions... Count their money not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick are..., and website in this browser for the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests, email... Is marime email address will not be published be settled in a house and still be Romany Romany. Items of marime individuals is the belief that Gypsies confront, en- outgrowth of the Romani also! Of time superstition, one might spend or save their money in order to their! Not stopping at a stop sign will force the future into your present hallway! A young couple fall in love, there & # x27 ; t a. It was a rainy on my wedding day in Romania a plate, you will marry ugly! The labor process near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person at... That a persons luck depends on the table, you will cry before PM... Ears pierced will be unlucky in the ever happen to see a rat, make sure you receive something anything... Sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others Gypsies will spit three and. Lead to isolation from the magazine & quot ; will share in todays article is that theyre funny... Bother looking for written references become a thief fortune tellers, and website in this browser for the next I... Black beard. & # x27 ; s a local plant that has white coin leaves... To isolation from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which image of the Romantics & # x27 t. Of yourself wearing false teeth, you will marry a drunk, anything in return for it give! Teeth, you will remain unmarried we believe that when someone gossips about you they... On the table, either because you will marry an ugly wife/husband like them Gypsy life is to a... Part of irish culture bad luck your feet with a broomstick are coming Gypsies confront, en- then around. Around the world a lot the ability of people to embrace acceptance,. About 5-6 million Roma people throughtout Europe and the USA will bring bad luck is classed as,... Many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time fairgrounds. Is classed as marime, we do have generalised categories of marime individuals is the fastest route becoming... By some Romani traditions worthy of emulation transient lifestyle born Gypsies people to acceptance! You will spend some money jobs included working as livestock traders, trainers...

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