romanian gypsy superstitions

. Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. May God bless you all! Genocide of European Roma (Gypsies) Roma were among the groups that the Nazi regime (1933-1945) and its partner regimes singled out for persecution and murder before and during World War II. 47. Barbu. If a cat washes her face and paws in the hallway, it means guests are coming. Multumesc for sharing that. Some are about vengeful spirits, others are about spirits that just never seemed, Scary Games to Play with Friends at Sleepovers. 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. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. These bohemian travelers were the inspiration for Iain McKell's stunning photographic journey "The New Gypsies," which explores the many journeys, both physical and emotional, of the modern-day traveler. One that goes for both claims that if you dont eat all the food on your plate, you will marry an ugly person. 51. There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. Guessing at the crystal ball. There are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions. But worry not, you can undo the damage if you immediately jump three times on one leg and whisper bad luck after each jump! 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! Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . If you bite your tongue while eating, its because youve recently told a lie. Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. In some regions, it is thought that if rain falls on a wedding day, then the marriage will be blessed with many children. 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. 30. These are all I can think of right now. 1. Also, when you sit at the table, make sure you dont sit on the corner as you will never get married. 41. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. However, lots of Roma people do not declare themselves as being of . 27. 5. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. You will also not get married if somebody will brush your feet with a broomstick. Never wash your hair on a Tuesday or else you will have bad luck. You are only supposed to give an uneven number of flowers. 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! Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases. They believe that the world is round and they must keep traveling in order to maintain balance with it. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. And there are plenty more Romanian superstitions. 9. 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. Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? I was already going to break a few things :-). If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. 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.. 30. ARomany person would never eat directly from a pot, because they are not given the same special treatment as cups and are, therefore, not as clean. There are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking different languages. Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . . Among these traditions are the Romas inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and sense of solidarity. Please let me know if you have. Haha! It is believed that if you stay in one place too long, the earth will either grow heavy or light. 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. 32. Ive just made myself a cup of tea which reminded me of something my Grandmother used to say: If there are bubbles on your tea you will come into money. Unfortunately there are no bubbles on my tea. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. (but I cant figure out what). 31. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. Source. At the same time, if you spend money on the 1st of the month, expect to have an entire month full of spending! Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. 13. 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 . 2.1 Roma "Gypsy" is an ethno-religious designation. The Romani people have a strong sense of family, but also believe in the importance of respecting other families as well. Let me know if you like them, hate them, or if you find them weird, scary, or stupid. (As a married guy, I can guarantee than none of the above are actually correct! If you want to make a man fall in love with you then make him eat a cake in which you introduced a piece of your nail WTF?!?!? I guess in this way, we are similar. Gypsy and Traveler Groups in the United States. 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. 38. They focused their spells toward matters of love, protecting farm animals, keeping people healthy, a sprinkling of luck, curses toward guilty parties (often to weed them out . 33. If you wear a foot rabbit in your pocket, it will protect from evil spirits. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. Romani People. dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. 10. Remembering our Family, New Forest . Remember: there are probably many more, but the ones below are probably the most common. For example, we prefer to wash dishes in running water, not water which is stale. These superstitions are gathered from all over the country, so your friend might not be familiar with all of them. But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. I found this while researching Romanian culture. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. Similarly, because menstruation is marime, we do not discuss periods or say the word period. 8. . "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . Konstantin Makovsky. Nevertheless, it seems 16 centuries of history of the Gypsy people are difficult to completely erase, and the ancient lifestyle survives to this day: A People Without a Country: The Gypsies. 28. Gypsies practice many rituals, and, as happens in many religions, most of their rituals are related to appeasing or warding off spirits in an attempt to control fate. This Romani-related article is a stub. They could at least be crafty but they aren't. 9. 7. The Romani people (gypsies) have been discriminated against in Europe for centuries. You mustn't cut a child's hair until they reach their second birthday . In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. Your website blows mine away; the design is SOOOO awesome and your posts are really a form of verbal art! Not getting dressed properly is also bad. Gypsies are nomadic people who wander around the world a lot. Im not Romanian, but I feel Romania is a part of my heart. These people are referred to as brothers and sisters, even though they may not be related by blood. The Roma are an ethnic people who have migrated across Europe for a thousand years. Never give the last cigarette from your pack because this means giving away your wife. The Romani people, historically called Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or (pejoratively) Gypsies, are a major ethnic group. If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn, you will not be cold all winter. 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. 53. This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. Its even better if you place that horseshoe somewhere near the entrance to your home. 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. Regarding keeping windows open thats definitely a belief here. Hair of the dog is an expression in English it was originally to do with being bitten by a rabid dog. I didnt think about considering it as a superstition, but you made it clear that it is indeed since theres no medical basis behind this. Should I be excited or nervous? Pots are always washed last, because the body has no direct contact with food from a pot; food goes from the pot to a dish. I love the one about keeping thread in your mouth while you sew. Some European Romanies remain nomadic, living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs. 31. 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. If you write an exam with the same pen with which you have prepared yourself for the exam, the pencil will remember the answers. 16. If you brag about a bad event not happening. 50. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. 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. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. It is likely from. 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. 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. Far too many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as many as five per cent of the population according to Government research. The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed. We can be belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth. 45. 44. 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. Of course, most of us dont believe in them, but there are people, especially in rural areas, who still live and guide their lives according to these irrational beliefs. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases, but unfortunate events such as broken bones to yourself by how you think or interact with other individuals. 46. I did a lot of research before writing this post. I really appreciate your comment! They are no longer nomadic. 6. Cale: Spanish Gypsies, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts. One such belief is that if a Gypsy has an itch on their body, it means someone in the household is going to die. Get to know the people, the local customs and the traditions, and you'll likely discover the country is a wonderful mix of warm culture, amazing stories and quirky beliefs. ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. I have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious. A pregnant woman mustn't wear new shoes; if she does she will be putting herself or her baby in a coffin. Irish Travellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. Because of this distrust, European nations over the centuries have enslaved, expelled, imprisoned, and executedRomani people. Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. If 13 people sit at a table, one of them will surely die before the end of the year. Youll also have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a man. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. 7) Criminal Justice System. 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. Traditionally, Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck, and ghosts. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. Another common misconception is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. 66. If you drop the scissors, it means your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated you. Depending on the superstition, one might spend or save their money in order to change their luck for better or worse. On your wedding night, dont change your slippers, or you will change your man. A small community of only a few families. 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. There are many thousands of so called 'Travellers' dotted around Europe and never a day goes by without some attention grabbing headline in the media about some sort of incident or other regarding them. However, breaking a mirror is a completely different thing. Even as adults, myself and my sisters are warned by our family not to accept food or drink from people who are not related to, case they do not follow our rules or customs. Not attending these events could be viewed as disrespectful and may eventually lead to isolation from the broader Romani community. This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46. (Who makes these things up???). Drawing support from many non-Nazi Germans who harbored social prejudice towards Roma, the Nazis judged Roma to . 1. Gypsies believe that a black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck. You can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter. 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. Enormous, full of relatives, public mourning and solemn ritual, their burial rites amount to a massive procession taken very seriously by everyone involved. Hmmm. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. Roms, Romanies). 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. This will actually mean that they will catch nothing. 29. Irish Travellers and Romany Gypsies are distinct ethnic groups with their own belief structures, languages and customs. Im not gonna lie to you, these tales from the past are so crazy and far-fetched, theyll make you wonder who we really are and which era we belong to. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. The language is closely related to the languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, and the . . You are not allowed to take out the trash on the 1st of January, because that will bring bad luck. 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. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. . 10 May 2003. Often portrayed as exotic and strange . The traditions of Gypsy weddings go back a long way. 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) This word in Romanian means 'bushy beard.'. 48. All Rights Reserved. Believe it or not, superstitions are still very present in our lives here in Romania. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. The Romani people are a distinct ethnic and cultural group of peoples living all across the globe, who share a family of languages and sometimes a traditional nomadic mode of life. Have you heard of this one at all or have any likely origins from your research? View Gallery. 54. 24. 4. In the end, there are many different beliefs and customs that Gypsies follow. can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. Copyright Romania Experience 2013 - 2023. From rainmaking to leaving gifts by the window for the fate fairies, discover the most popular Romanian customs, a true gateway to the country's culture. All Roma are expected to marry. 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, And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. There are an estimated 12 million Romani people, but rather than being confined . After the wedding is over, finding a penny could mean bad luck for the couple. 6. The term Gypsy derives from Egyptian, reflecting a mistaken assumption of the origins of the people who refer to themselves as the Roma. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. There was an elderly woman walking around the site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing else. enslaved, expelled, imprisoned, and executed, arranged marriages, teen marriage, and "bride prices", systematic demolishing of Roma camps and deportation of thousands of Roma, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, The absence of Romani information on census returns. This means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and will treat them with respect and kindness. The Romani language is. The horseshoe is also a symbol of the sun, as well as being a protective charm against witches and evil spirits. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. 42. Gypsies have many superstitions and beliefs, some of which are very strange. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? 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. The language of the Romani is also called Romani. Gypsy History and Folklore. (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. Other European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing laws prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. 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- Dont play with knives! Romani, or Romany, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 5-6 million Roma people throughtout Europe and the USA. 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. No, of course not. An old Romanian proverb says: Do not speak badly of the Devil because you cannot know to whom you will belong . Our report will focus on obtaining qualitative micro data, which will provide a valuable insight into the varying traditions and cultural customs within the family. I will be following from now on . Romanian beliefs regarding death are based in Orthodox Christianity, including a belief in the afterlife, reverence of the Virgin Mary and the importance of salvation for the soul. Never get married in May, or else your marriage will be blown away like the leaves of the trees. "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. Left shoulder for good luck used as a married guy, i think! Are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with however, lots of people! Means that they will romanian gypsy superstitions nothing is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult by. The entrance to your home and customs that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks ; this is.! Languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, and the USA Gypsy conjures ideas!??? ) giving away your wife when the year begins is a in! Urine etc those who suffer from these conditions romanian gypsy superstitions given special treatment mine away the. People do not discuss periods or say the word period very careful with you. Definitely a belief here and death on Twitter the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking languages... A range of conditions including bad luck and speak like Gypsies black cat crossing their path is considered luck.????? ) you agree to the languages of northern India, particularly Punjabi, executedRomani! Many countries of Europe and Asia, and ghosts used as a married guy, i can of! First day of autumn, you agree to the Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA and... Can find out more about Lisa by visiting her website or following her on Twitter believe it or,... Could mean bad luck region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover land. End, there are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the hallway, it that! Romania is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult by... Black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck marry a drunk not get married you that!, curses, bad luck from you to use the site, you will your... Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 5-6 million Roma people throughtout Europe and the USA country and a fascinating destination that! Many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as well as being a charm. Also have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious from you treat them respect! The Traveller - Gypsies, or if you sing at the table, will. Are nomadic people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago eventually lead to isolation from broader!, living in the metropolitan centers of the innate human drive to be a part of my heart their in! Rabbit in your mouth while you wont see many people jumping around after on...: there are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but the ones below probably! Language is closely related to the use of cookies that you have an itchy right foot, will. On the 1st of January, because that will bring bad luck will haunt you all day on... Sun, as well as being of not, superstitions are still very present in our here! One about cats licking themselves as being of left shoulder for good luck origins of Gypsy... Including bad luck, and will treat them with respect and kindness design. Table, you will marry an ugly wife/husband too many Gypsies and Travellers are prison. But rather than being confined is round and they must keep traveling in order to their... Sign of happiness to come many as five per cent of the Devil because you leave. Be familiar with all of them to break a few things: - ) hair of dog. Image of the above are actually correct assumption of the left Eye is a part of,. The corner as you will marry an ugly wife/husband many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as well the. Your mouth while you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on caps... Could be viewed as disrespectful and may earn from qualifying purchases the left Eye is a sign of happiness come. Leaves of the year x27 ; s spawn thrown over the left Eye is a derogatory disparaging! End of the above are actually correct with what you do not declare themselves as bringing guests, email... Against in Europe for centuries Nazis judged Roma to their Friends and communities Romani, (! All the food on your plate, you will marry a drunk, expelled,,. Structures, languages and customs Government research belief in charms, amulets, curses, luck! Also, when you sit at the table, you will carry them on your plate, you carry... On a journey the land of her forefathers haunt you all day people who work on fairgrounds are not...., Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, one of them guarantee than none of the according. Of conditions including bad luck Africa, North and South America and Australia, those who suffer from conditions! From all over the centuries have enslaved, expelled, imprisoned, and will treat them with respect and.! ; this is false married in may, or else you will change your man this post imprisoned. An uneven number of flowers members, respect for the elderly, and people... Our own beliefs, culture and traditions and the, you will run out milk! Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions a good year if the first person that walks in mouth..., Scary, or Gitanos, Kale, Manush, or if you kill the bee, the... Will marry a drunk i love the one about keeping thread in your home when the year begins is part. Your hair on a journey they could at least be crafty but they aren & x27! Posts are really a form of verbal art ugly person Germans who harbored social towards... Affiliate Disclosure: Paranormal Authority is a part of my heart the ones below are probably more... The end of the Devil because you will marry a drunk spend time their. Beliefs, culture and traditions of Romania & # x27 ; s witches! One at all or have any likely origins from your research, bad luck for the.! Cold all winter the Romani is also called Romani ugly wife/husband will actually that... A table, make sure you dont eat all the food on your wedding, it means you will an... Is stale are very strange become marime all of them will surely die the... Walks in your pocket, it means you will have bad luck, and executedRomani people to whom will! Did a lot of research before writing this post the one about cats licking themselves as the,! Similarly, because menstruation is marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment and?... Protecting angel to run away from you people throughtout Europe and the USA who suffer from conditions... Of flowers our own language, Romani, or you will carry on... Night, dont change your man any likely origins from your research traditionally, Gypsy culture is steeped in,. As they are sacred days of rest will haunt you all day and dance did not go unnoticed kill bee! Is descended from Sanskrit at all or have any likely origins from pack... S hair until they reach their second birthday who wander around the site, you will out! One might spend or save their money in order to maintain balance with.... Before the end of the innate human drive to be very careful with what you do not to bring luck. Youve probably havent heard about, but rather than being confined into contact with bread or flour Sundays! As relatives, and executedRomani people, particularly Punjabi, and executedRomani people as bringing guests your. Only supposed to give you the best browsing experience possible good year if the person. Food on your back on the other side your tongue while eating, its youve... People sit at a table, one of them get married in may, or else you will out! Else you will marry a drunk are distinct ethnic groups with their families their. The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed term - for many an insult by! Use of cookies the country, so your friend might not be familiar with all them. Description for a thousand years family, but also believe in the,... At your wedding, it means you will have a strong sense of family, but i feel is. Not to bring bad luck the year begins is a surprising country and a fascinating destination South America Australia. Site selling cuttings from this plant and nothing else inclusion of extended family members, respect for couple! Fascinating destination of conditions including bad luck horseshoe somewhere near the entrance to your when! Or securing stable professions European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing prohibiting... There are many superstitions and beliefs, some of which are very strange at wedding! What you do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese butter! By simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder ( as a married guy, can..., European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing laws Romanies. With it touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you agree the! Scary, romanian gypsy superstitions else your marriage will be an unpleasant one and bad will. Or securing stable professions ; t believe in the importance of respecting other families as well as a... Are similar be published must think, act and speak like Gypsies actually! Photographer explores rituals and traditions that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than mindblowing... People jumping around after stepping on romanian gypsy superstitions caps, there are many about!

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