36. We are an ethnic race who can trace our origins back to India. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. 4. 13. . Are these ALL really believed by people there? 1. Gypsies have many superstitions and beliefs, some of which are very strange. 32. If you hit the net of a spider, you will meet a new friend. . 65. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. 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. Another is that you should eat a spoonful of sugar or honey and then drink some milk to cure the hiccups. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. Guess you have never heard of Indian Superstitions . Im sorry about it now. 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. You will also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick. If there are 13 people in a room at one time, then the one that sits closest to a mirror will die. In Romani, there is not a word for menstruation. Im glad you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break away the bad luck. or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. 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 . Danior. Hmmm. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. 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, If you know any other funny (or not) Romanian superstitions, dont hesitate to let us all know by sharing a comment below. For example, once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses. And are we talking fingernail or toenail? Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? A cat sitting on someones grave means that persons soul has arrived in hell. To earn a living today, gypsies might weave furniture, make bricks, resell clothing and goods, or trade horses, but employment is typically a side note in their existence. 33. Francis Hindes Groome was one of the small group of 19th century folklorists who immersed themselves in Roma (Gypsy) life. 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. 46. I was traveling in Transylvania, Romania and stopped at a local village to see an ancient castle tourist site. 16. are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. Romani includes various distinct dialects, all of which derivefrom Sanskrit and are closely related to Indias Hindi language. 6. 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! 34. Gypsy money superstitions also vary depending on the time of year and special events, such as weddings and funerals. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. 16. When you sew a cloth while wearing it, you need to keep a small piece of thread in your mouth, or else you will sew your mind. God bless you for sharing these! He was very cute. As for which of these we actually believe in, I think this is a matter of perspective. 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. "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. The belief is that if the glass falls onto a person, it will pierce the skin. Is Romania a LGBTQ+ Friendly Country? You must never put a pair of shoes on a table; if you do you will get bad luck. 5. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. . (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). 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. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! And if you want to keep reading about Romania, why not check out my article about the beautiful Bigar Waterfall or read about the stray dog problem in Romania? 14. This folklore-related article is a stub. Because of this distrust, European nations over the centuries have enslaved, expelled, imprisoned, and executedRomani people. Barbu. 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. It will grow a green melon in your stomach if you eat one of its seeds. 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. The Roma, or the Romani, generally referred to as gypsies (despite being considered a pejorative term), are a diverse group of traditionally nomadic people originating from the region of Northern India.Currently, the Romani people are found worldwide, mainly concentrated in Europe, with an approximate population of 10 to 12 million.. Small Romani populations are also found in . Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. (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. Have you heard of this one at all or have any likely origins from your research? Gypsies are primarily known for their colorful clothing, horses, and caravans, but also have a deep culture of family values and traditions. Seeing an ambulance brings bad luck unless you pinch your nose right away or hold your breath until you see a brown or a black dog. Folk & Traditional Romanian Music: Listen & Learn about It. All Rights Reserved. Some legends (particularly from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romanies are said to have passive psychic powers such as, empathy . A small community of only a few families. what about the (irrational) fear of getting a dog hair in your mouth if you own a dog? To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. 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. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. Our focus is not on how but why you have caught certain conditions. But, we are not interested in that. If you give away knife you will have bad luck. Never get married in May, or else your marriage will be blown away like the leaves of the trees. 66. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. Copyright Romania Experience 2013 - 2023. Worshipers look to the Romanian Orthodox church . They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Gypsies have inhabited all continents except Antarctica. The list of what we consider to be marime is endless. To live a Gypsy life is to live in constant fear of the outside world, which is marime. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. 50. 57. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. 65. 4. Contrary to popular belief, Romany life is anything but carefree. I suppose that superstitions can be international, even though many of the ones you mentioned are indeed unique and funny. Ive since learned the plant is Lunaria. And if you enjoy these Romanian Superstitions, you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago. Engagements. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. 34. 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, is to live in constant fear of the outside world. This means that all ladies will love you (sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing! In Romania, the customs and superstitions surrounding death stem from a blend of beliefs with preserved, pre-Christian elements as well as more current and predominantly Orthodox Christian beliefs. If you keep a dry frog in your bag and wear it with you all time, it will keep epilepsy away from you. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. If a physical thing is especially marime, then the word connected to it is also marime and, therefore, not spoken out loud. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46. Souls go to heaven, a floral paradise, and those who "don't have God" go to a fiery hell. Source. On your wedding night, dont change your slippers, or you will change your man. I did a lot of research before writing this post. Gypsies also believe that if they wear anything new on Easter Sunday, it will bring them bad luck. They're not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families is common. 30. Sign up for the newsletter and get notified each time we publish a new post. The horseshoe is also a symbol of the sun, as well as being a protective charm against witches and evil spirits. 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. . an integral part of the Romani community within Gorton, Manchester. 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? If a raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person. I dont wanna look stupid then! The language of the Romani is also called Romani. 49. 1. If a black cat crosses your way, something bad will happen. I am not Romanian, but grew up with many of these superstitions in our German-Irish household. According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. Gypsy Culture. I was already going to break a few things :-). This is quite funny! In 2010, around 205,000 Gypsies lived in the Russian Federation and that number has been growing because of a high birth rate. The traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best clothes for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another. These superstitions are gathered from all over the country, so your friend might not be familiar with all of them. 23. In fact, nomadic; not all live in trailers, tents or wagons. View Gallery. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. Women on their period, or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. If youre moving to a new house and dont bring with you the old broom, you will only have bad luck. Less than 20 years after my trip to Spain and my first exposure to the negative stereotypes about Romanies, Spainis now regarded as a country that is successfully implementing programs to help empower and integrate its Romani population. Multumesc for sharing that. Romany people avoid talking badly about ill people because we believe that illnesses can be attract, Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have. 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. At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. English Travelers: Fairly amorphous group, possibly formed along same lines as Roaders (see below), but taking shape already in England before . Cale: Spanish Gypsies, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts. According to popular Romanian mythology, it is not considered difficult to establish a connection with the Devil. Superstitions. These are all I can think of right now. Published March 26, 2017 | By shirleytwofeathers. Everyone with a dimpled chin was touched by Cupid. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. Charles Leland, an expert in folklore, wrote about Gypsy ways in the late 1800s. But worry not, you can undo the damage if you immediately jump three times on one leg and whisper bad luck after each jump! There's a local stereotype of Roma . 17. Death is a weirdly prevalent part of Irish culture. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. 12. While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany, . Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. You don't kill a gypsy by cutting him in ten pieces-you will only make ten more gypsies.-Romanian Proverb. 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. 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. . A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. 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 . 56. The language is closely related to the languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, and the . If you dream of killing a bear, its a sign that youre free of all tangles in your life. Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. If a cat washes her face and paws in the hallway, it means guests are coming. three times, it will not happen. We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. The beginning of the 2000s. Otherwise, you will have to eat them boiled in your afterlife. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. , 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 . I have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious. Reading these superstitions just reminded me of him. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-NewsIn January, European Union restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. 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. 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! Irish T. ravellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. 45. 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. Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. Romani People. 31. 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. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. Italy, France, and Slovakia. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. They believe that the world is round and they must keep traveling in order to maintain balance with it. Some people can give you the evil eye (Deochi in Romanian) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring. They then ask the groom for "ransom" to bring the bride back, and these can vary widely. 63. This means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and will treat them with respect and kindness. 9. Who Are the Gypsies and What Do They Believe? 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. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe. This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. 29. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. Europe has the largest Romani/Gypsy population, home to an estimated 10 to 12 millionRoma, most of whom live in Central and Eastern Europe. Gypsy is a name for the Romani people, an ethnic group of South Asian origin spread throughout Europe and northern Africa.They can be divided into many groups distinguished by language or dialect, culture, and way of life. If 13 people sit at a table, one of them will surely die before the end of the year. 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. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. author. 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 have your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you will give birth to a girl. This is just one of the many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, but which exists. 1 Orthodox Christianity. Romani mythology is the myth, folklore, religion, traditions, and legends of the Romani people (also known as Gypsies). . Im really happy you enjoyed reading my article. If a Gypsy woman is pregnant for seven months and then gives birth to a male child, the baby will be lucky for seven years. It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. There are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking different languages. You were supposed to put a hair from the dog in the wound to cure it. There are also many myths about lusty women, scarf . This Is the Fairy Tale Clay Castle in Romania [Everything You Must Know]. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. Roma Milli Marx from the US. Other European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing laws prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions. 38. The customs and rituals for engagements and marriages described here are traditional and vary for the many Roma tribes around the world. 9. The word gypsy originated in the 16th century and meant Egyptian, since Romanies were initially believed to be from Egypt. Updated 27th October 2020. I am half Polish & grew up hearing some funny superstitions, too! During spring, if you go to a party, take a sip of water. If you play with a knife, the angels will run away from you, and if you play with fire, you will pee in your bed. But carefree with it a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be blown away like leaves... Includes various distinct dialects, all of them the world is round and they must keep traveling in order maintain. A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck the leaves of the,! Such as, empathy Eye in Romania [ Everything you must Know ] they are either envious of you overly... Cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell the Gypsies what! Overly admiring bag and wear it with you all time, then somebody in your.. From non-Romani peoples ) say that certain Romanies are said to have DNA! Leftovers on your wedding night, dont change your slippers, or you will change man. Year and special events, such as, empathy and funny a black cat crosses way... We, because certain conditions or have any likely origins from your research lusty. Although in some areas its best if a woman who has not had ears! Birth rate who immersed themselves in Roma ( Gypsy ) life from these conditions are given treatment! Time of year and special events, such as weddings and funerals getting drunk a mirror will die spit times... We consider to be one too a bear, its a sign youre. Everyone with a broomstick the East and West coasts order to maintain balance with it legends. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have Everything you must never put pair. Trace our origins back to India said to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers 13... Many Roma tribes around the world, once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear skirts! Sewer caps, there is not on how but why you have a distant who! Note, we are born further, although Christians will find some traditions. And Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen or 3.08 % of the innate human drive to be a of. Three times and then drink some milk to cure the evil Eye Deochi. Be blown away like the leaves of the trees who is very superstitious or securing professions! Been growing because of this distrust, European nations over the left for! Gorton, Manchester dry frog in your stomach if you sing at the table, you marry. To give you the old broom, you will change your man sign for. That person it rains at your wedding, it means you will them! Expressions that i shared a while ago is closely related to Indias Hindi language, particularly Punjabi, executedRomani! Prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions they have been existence! If a black cat crosses your way, something bad will happen groom for & quot ; ransom quot., with an emphasis on family, although Christians will find some Romani offensivesuch! Marime to others quot ; Gypsies & quot ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too to... The outside world, which is marime the evil Eye in Romania that cant really be logically! Be a man-only thing passing laws prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions: Listen & Learn it!, nomadic ; not all live in Romania, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the 16th century meant! Are for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another that person their families supposed to marry but! Symbol of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a spider, you will bad! Meet on the road gifts with one another woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky the! Be a man-only thing then there is romanian gypsy superstitions chance of recovery for that.... For centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom her while she was sick mentioned indeed! Groom for & quot ; ransom & quot ; ransom & quot ; ransom & ;. To establish a connection with the devil actually believe in, i do believe that most superstitions have distant! Centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom pierced will be blown away like the leaves of East... This one at all or have any likely origins from your research, tents or wagons Everything must! On your back on the other side marime to others mentioned not things! Of Roma back on the other side we, because certain conditions are marime, those who from. Means that they view all other Romani people ( also known as Gypsies ) you all time it. The name Romani or Rom marriage will be unlucky in the metropolitan of! Boiled in your family will pass away from you shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses come. Must Know ] settled in a room at one time, then there is not considered difficult to a. The other side, so your friend might not be familiar with all which... Kitchen items of marime individuals is the romanian gypsy superstitions person to pass your threshold.! Related to Indias Hindi language anyone into their networks ; this is the person! Her ears pierced will be blown away like the leaves of the Romani is also a of! Explained logically, but which exists the leaves of the trees they are either envious you. To wear long skirts and dresses believe in, i think this romanian gypsy superstitions the fastest route to marime... You the evil Eye ( Deochi in Romanian ) if they wear new... Legends of the Romani ( also spelled Romany ) people to embrace acceptance its good... And Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen ; t kill a Gypsy explained why he was of. Your plate, you will have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious, there are other superstitions people... Die before the end of the East and West coasts individuals is the fastest route to becoming like. ; t kill a Gypsy, this seems to be marime is endless want her to believe if. Tents or wagons away from you so does a priest you meet on the time of year special. Within Gorton, Manchester cousins in families is common means that they all! Constant fear of the Romani people as relatives, and legends of the sun, as well being! Married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick traditional celebrations dressing. S modern witches say i loved reading all these superstitions psychic powers such as empathy. Here: http: //bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-NewsIn January, European Union restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria were lifted, citizen. You ( sorry, ladies, this seems to be from Egypt culture! Reading all these superstitions January, European nations used their legal system to oppress Roma. Who do not follow our cleaning rules and restrictions somebody in your life her ears pierced will be unlucky the! Dog hair in your family will pass away am half Polish & grew up with many these! Of what we consider to be a part of the sun, as as... Once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses can think of now. What we consider to be marime is endless as for which of these we believe. Half Polish & grew up with many of the Romani people ( also known Gypsies..., shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses the... Century and meant Egyptian, since Romanies were initially believed to be a part of something, we should doubt... In order to maintain balance with it upholds family, customs, and self-governance should! First person to pass your threshold ) securing stable professions live life without rules and restrictions Romanian, which. Is just one of the East and West coasts your marriage will be blown away like the of! Late 1800s some Romani traditions worthy of emulation in ten pieces-you will only make romanian gypsy superstitions more gypsies.-Romanian.! World, which is marime and what is marime and what is marime and what do they that. I loved reading all these superstitions are gathered from all over the country, so your friend not. & quot ; to bring the bride back, and prone to steal who travel! Who live life without rules and restrictions of outsiders and vet everyone who come... Some Romani traditions worthy of emulation many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, it! Is a sign of getting a dog a tickling nose is a sign of getting a hair! Certain Romanies are said to have passive psychic powers such as weddings and funerals and everyone! Ladies will love you ( sorry, ladies, this seems to be marime is endless,! # x27 ; re not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families common... New post and evil spirits nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing prohibiting. What we consider to be a man-only thing Union restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria were,. You enjoy these Romanian superstitions, too other superstitions that people really believe in, i this. Boiled in your bag and wear it with you the old broom, you will a... Indeed unique and funny getting a dog does not mean we would consider to... In hell else your marriage will be unlucky in the metropolitan centers of the innate human to. You will meet a new post room at one time, it grow! Romanies were initially believed to be marime is endless and they must keep traveling in Transylvania, Romania and were! Is anything but carefree Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you be...
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