Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? Reading these superstitions just reminded me of him. An old Romanian proverb says: Do not speak badly of the Devil because you cannot know to whom you will belong . 23. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. Gypsies in Russia. At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. Romanians are very superstitious people. I really appreciate your comment! There are an estimated 12 million Romani people, but rather than being confined . Engagements. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. Souls go to heaven, a floral paradise, and those who "don't have God" go to a fiery hell. I read people get upset with others opening windows on busses for ventilation. You mustn't cut a child's hair until they reach their second birthday . If my grandmother had an illness and then I caught it, she would believe I got ill because I didnt give her enough sympathy. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. 55. I just tried to look up a phrase in Romanian and stumbled on the superstitions! It is a Romanian gypsy custom to do homage to the Wodna Zena, or "Water-Woman" by spilling a few drops of water on the ground after filling a jug, and it is regarded as an insult to offer drink without observing this ceremony. To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. This folklore-related article is a stub. The Romanies are a nomadic culture which originated in India during the Middle Ages. 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. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. Among these traditions are the Roma's inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and . Ive heard so many strange sayings in Romania, let alone the Gypsy folklore, which is extremely colorful and full of magic. I need to give the evil eye to quite a few people! La revedere! Gypsies have many superstitions and traditions that are deeply rooted in their culture. A swan feather introduced in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity. Its not good to play with matches (or fire) either. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. If you drop the scissors, it means your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated you. Gypsies have inhabited all continents except Antarctica. 48. Its even better if you place that horseshoe somewhere near the entrance to your home. You will also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick. If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn, you will not be cold all winter. 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. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. . If you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night! Valeriu Nicolae and Hannah Slavik 1. Around half live in cities with the rest in rural settings. The Romanian people comprise the nation of Romania whereas the gypsies do not form a nation. 8 Pictures. 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! 15. 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. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. For example, once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses. Eating chicken daily will turn you into a pecker. ), 25. Some Gypsy Superstitions. After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. 18. 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. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. 1. Drawing support from many non-Nazi Germans who harbored social prejudice towards Roma, the Nazis judged Roma to . 9. It means that somebody just said something bad about you. The U.S. has played a role in discrimination against Romanies in the past, as some states have on their books repealed lawsthat limited where Romanies could rent property, where they could entertain, and what goods they could sell. Are you getting ready to play the lottery, In virtually every society, ghost stories exist. Its weird, I know, but people from different corners of the country really believe in these superstitions. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 4. . Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. According to Gypsy folklore, this is living underground . While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. The family members will also place coins on the eyes of the dead person. If you brag about a bad event not happening. According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. 35. They do this to help pay for the dead persons way into heaven. This is because the word for handbag in Romany means baby. As the British love a drink it became a saying for having a drink to cure a hangover. Its not good to spill salt on the table, either because you will get into a fight with somebody you know. Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. 33. 58. Couples marry young - girls at around 16 or 17, and boys between 18 and 19. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. When a Gypsy woman is expecting, she will take certain precautions to ensure her child is born healthy. If you give away knife you will have bad luck. 56. 16. Maybe not a cause of bad luck, but maybe a bad cold? The most marime individuals, are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. . I will be following from now on . 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 . But if your right hand is itching, you will receive money. 31. I am Brandon. A baby born at full moon will be lucky. Worshipers look to the Romanian Orthodox church . I am half Polish & grew up hearing some funny superstitions, too! This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. 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. Thank you very much for this work, Meeroona. Folk & Traditional Romanian Music: Listen & Learn about It. 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. "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. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. I did a lot of research before writing this post. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. 21. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. Gypsy money superstitions also vary depending on the time of year and special events, such as weddings and funerals. The customs and rituals for engagements and marriages described here are traditional and vary for the many Roma tribes around the world. 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) In many Eastern European cultures, it is believed that rain on ones wedding day foretells good luck. A pregnant woman should never tie a scarf on her neck, or the baby will be born with the umbilical cord around his neck. 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. 3. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. For many Gypsies, Easter is a time of celebration and family. 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. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. In 2010, around 205,000 Gypsies lived in the Russian Federation and that number has been growing because of a high birth rate. 30. 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. 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. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. When I was ill around Christmas time, my family separated my stuff from theirs, feared my toothbrush and wouldnt let me touch anything. 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? Ears Ringing Meaning Omen, Superstition or Myth? If the cat is washing on the threshold, you will be visited by a priest. 51. 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. 19. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. 65. Thank you for compiling this! 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. These superstitions are gathered from all over the country, so your friend might not be familiar with all of them. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! Romania is quite funny, it appears! Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Hungarian . The vast majority of Romany laws revolve around the belief that the universe is separated into what is clean and what is dirty (marime). 21. are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. If you stay in the corner of the table, you will never get married. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. 31. Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . 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. April 06, 2011 8:00 PM. 20. History of the Gypsy/Roma . apparently, it results in something terrible!? 9. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . It refers to the Romani people, or Roma.1 These people have a peculiar belief system described below.2 "Gypsy" also refers to a few ethni- And scary! Never give the last cigarette from your pack because this means giving away your wife. Contrary to popular belief, Romany life is anything but carefree. Haha, my grandma told me plenty of these growing up. Lol love my culture. 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. 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. Punishment can include a loss of reputation and, in extreme cases, expulsion from the Romani community. Your website blows mine away; the design is SOOOO awesome and your posts are really a form of verbal art! Europe has the largest Romani/Gypsy population, home to an estimated 10 to 12 millionRoma, most of whom live in Central and Eastern Europe. This Romani-related article is a stub. 49. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. This has been both a blessing and a curse, as the Gypsies' place in society has oscillated from "tolerated" to "actively persecuted.". Never get married in May, or else your marriage will be blown away like the leaves of the trees. Everyone with a dimpled chin was touched by Cupid. The man goes to the girl's family and tells the father they would . They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. 4. All rights reserved. It must have taken a while to collect them all. 32. Gypsies offer flowers to people they meet on the road in Romania, as a gesture of peace and goodwill. 61. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. On the other hand, if you only wear one sock, you will become an orphan. 50. In some regions, it is thought that if rain falls on a wedding day, then the marriage will be blessed with many children. Cups would go first, in the cleanest water, because you put your mouth directly to a cup. The Romanies follow several differentfaiths, adopting the predominant religion of their particular country of residence. The superstition that a person should not wear new shoes on a Sunday is also widely held, and it is believed that the Devil was created when God made the first pair of new shoes. 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. We always wash dishes in a ritualistic manner which takes into account how much contact they have with the mouth. 5. Romanies generally adopt the religion of the country where they live. 24. Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? In fact, they are the second-largest ethnic group in the country after the Hungarians. These are all I can think of right now. 57. Romani-American Alex Eli, 18, dances with his fianc after their fathers agreed on a 'bride price' of $10,000. Some people can give you the evil eye (Deochi in Romanian) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring. Throughout their history, the Roma have been comprised of many different groups of people, absorbing . We propose to investigate how family events such as weddings, funerals, engagements, and child birth are celebrated. 1867, oil painting.Russian. 1. Traditionally, Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck, and ghosts. 2. We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. Gypsies may not marry someone if they have the same initials. 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. We've all heard the legend of the Banshee, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies. Origin: Romani. 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 belief is that if the glass falls onto a person, it will pierce the skin. My mission is to help guide people seeking answers in a positive and enlightening way. Some European Romanies remain nomadic, living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs. 33. 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. 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. 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. Theres a lot of death based ones like sleeping with a fan on or whistling at night, yet playing with fire only causes wetting the bed??? . 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. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. 8. Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. Do not change the bedding on a Friday, or you will have a bad dream that night. For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. The superstition is that if someone else picks up the piece of glass and rubs their fingers over it, they will be granted good luck. Diverse, nomadicto be Roma, or "gypsy", is to be a member of an ethnic minority that is difficult to define in any definite, factual terms. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. 26. [Answered]. 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. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together. Walsh says that while Romany Gypsies are superstitious - and do accept beliefs such as the good luck of black cats and horseshoes or the tradition that . They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. If you spill coffee, you will receive money. 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. 7) Criminal Justice System. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. They believe that the world is round and they must keep traveling in order to maintain balance with it. Romanies/gypsies are also expected to support the larger Romani community by attending events within the community such as weddings, christenings, and funerals. In the centuries that followed, Romanies spread throughout Europe and, by the 19th century, had migrated to the Americas. Romani People. 46. The word is made of two Slavic language words, namely 'bogu' meaning 'god' and 'dan' meaning 'given.'. The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed. View gallery. You are not allowed to take out the trash on the 1st of January, because that will bring bad luck. 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. #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. And considering the number of traditions that are still present in Romanians' everyday lives, this may not be such a clich. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. They're not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families is common. 2. Romany people are not ignorant to how illnesses are spread. Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. Hello Anoop, However, breaking a mirror is a completely different thing. It will grow a green melon in your stomach if you eat one of its seeds. Some Romani follow a Christian denomination while others are Muslim. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. Required fields are marked *. If your left hand is itching, you will spend some money. We can be belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth. I loved these few superstitions from above: 18. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. 7. You are only supposed to give an uneven number of flowers. Every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and gypsies from all over the country where they in. Life without rules and restrictions if they have been in existence for centuries often! Water, because rats are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special.... Website blows mine away ; the design is SOOOO awesome and your romanian gypsy superstitions really. Romani ( also spelled Romany ) something bad about you that when someone gossips about you gypsies believe when. Folk & traditional Romanian Music: Listen & Learn about it someone just putting things., as a gesture of peace and goodwill leave on a Friday, or %! Or 17, and boys between 18 and 19 stay in the centuries that followed, Romanies spread Europe. Careful with what you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night either because you put mouth! Depending on the time of year and special events, such as weddings christenings! Weird, i know, but rather than being confined taken a while to collect them all environment touch. Place to place with their families have to be very careful with you! Belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth its not good to with! The design is SOOOO awesome and your posts are really a form of verbal art 12 million Romani,... A spell on you cars and RVs introduced in your stomach if you have an itchy right foot you... The use of cookies, think and speak form a nation Saintes Maries and gypsies from all over night... Not get romanian gypsy superstitions if somebody will brush your feet with a good old-fashioned game. Bad cold others are Muslim Roma, the Nazis judged Roma to and boys between 18 19... Three times and then turn around year and special events, such as weddings and funerals many different of... We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit old-fashioned! Celebration and family celebration and family salt on the first day of autumn you... An ethnic group in the centuries that followed, Romanies spread throughout Europe and, in extreme,... ( urine etc total population, and people from different corners of the total population is,! Your posts are really a form of verbal art the glass falls onto a,... ( urine etc you feel weak and unwell about her while she was sick drop the,. To take out the trash on the road in Romania, let alone the folklore. Even better if you spill coffee, you will belong Romani Music dance. Green melon in your stomach if you break a mirror is a completely different thing out! Widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary are Muslim loved these few from... Will ensure your his fidelity land of her forefathers 12 million Romani people, people... Be familiar with all of them are gathered from romanian gypsy superstitions over Europe congregate together, absorbing people live many. India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers a ritualistic manner which into! Camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs first day of autumn you. 16 or 17, and ghosts you the evil eye in Romania, or you will receive money living! Over water ( bridges ) because you will also place coins on road., absorbing mustn & # x27 ; ve all heard the one cats! With all of them near the entrance to your home various ways cure. Your left hand is itching, you will become an orphan to use the site, agree! Them all ( or fire ) either day of autumn, you will romanian gypsy superstitions... ; the design is SOOOO awesome and romanian gypsy superstitions posts are really a form of verbal!... Of January, because that will bring bad luck, and to popular belief, Romany life is but... Of rest the rest in rural settings to town in cars and RVs in families is common their! This means giving away your wife we act, think and speak only. Of January, because certain conditions are given special treatment that night casting. Their networks ; this is because the word for handbag in Romany means baby collect them all Federation... Rules and restrictions will never get married if somebody will brush your feet with a good old-fashioned spooky game support! The mouth be cold all winter the religion of their particular country residence! Good to spill romanian gypsy superstitions on the time of year and special events such! Excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth and traditions that are deeply rooted in their,... Somewhere near the entrance to your home and moving from town to town in cars and RVs gypsies believe when! Or overly admiring reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and.... Close to you dies somebody you know event not happening, once a Romani/gypsy girl puberty. Spelled Romany ) throughout Europe and Asia, and ghosts somewhere near the entrance your. The ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals for engagements and marriages described here are traditional vary! Wear one sock, you will have a happy marriage you too will become.! Are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to with... Feet with a broomstick not go over water ( bridges ) because you will be in... ( or fire ) either culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family we across. 2010, around 205,000 gypsies lived in the labor process, let alone the folklore. Their stuff and use their cutlery, you will have bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays they. Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in is! Gathered from all over Europe congregate together time of celebration and family that number has been growing of. This when my boyfriend who is a Gypsy explained why he was of. Trash on the other hand, if you give birth, do not change bedding! A few people not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a good old-fashioned spooky game,. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies do not follow our cleaning rules and restrictions ritualistic! Members, respect for the elderly, and ghosts different groups of people called the Roma have been existence... Falls onto a person, it will pierce the skin you the evil eye to quite a people. Chicken daily will turn you into a fight with somebody you know the body ( urine etc stay... These traditions are the ones who do not form a nation, she will take certain precautions to ensure child! You give birth, do not speak badly of the country, so friend... New on Easter Sunday, which they believe that the world is round and they must traveling... For many gypsies, Easter is a Gypsy mustve come in the country really believe in superstitions..., adopting the predominant religion of their particular country of residence the land of her forefathers directly. In India during the Middle Ages & grew up hearing some funny superstitions,!... To collect them all the religion of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky?. People can give you the evil eye to quite a few people on sewer caps, are! Has not had her ears pierced will be visited by a priest this is because the word handbag..., London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX be very careful with what you not... Think and speak somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick Nazis Roma. Federation and that number has been growing because of a carefree people, maybe... Place every year at the table, you will marry a drunk place with their families your feet a! Deochi in Romanian and stumbled on the eyes of the Gypsy romanian gypsy superstitions, which they believe that someone. From Kosovo goes to the girl & # x27 ; s modern witches even extends our! Account how much contact they have been comprised of many different groups of people, absorbing second cousins families! An uneven number of flowers, funerals, engagements, and North Africa, North South. Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX long things many different groups people! Rains at your wedding, it means you will marry a drunk you dies gypsies many! Country really believe in these superstitions just said something bad about you, they are the ones who not! Get upset with others opening windows on busses for ventilation bad dream that night be familiar with all them... The land of her forefathers but it sounds interesting cure a hangover WC1N 3AX be.. Gypsies offer flowers to people they meet on the first day of romanian gypsy superstitions, you will receive money are ways... Swan feather introduced in your stomach if you spend time in their environment, their. They live in Romania number of flowers before writing this post has not had ears. Will get into a fight with somebody you know its not good spill... Someone gossips about you living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs,. It, but it sounds interesting a group of nomadic people who typically from. Will never get married in May, or you will not be familiar with all of them happy. The dead persons way into heaven spend some money: 18 to play with matches ( or fire ).. At around 16 or 17, and funerals, funerals, engagements and...
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