(but I cant figure out what). As part of this tradition, it is not uncommon for a gypsy family to have members from another family living with them. 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- Romani People. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. 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. are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. 1. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Have good dayLa revedere! He was very cute. If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. They do have a Patron Saint, Sara who was queen of a Gypsy tribe in France. 33. dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. 33. But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. 2. Every family and group of Gypsies has their own traditions and beliefs. Barbaneagra. It is wise to pitch a tent near a . ), 25. Multumesc for sharing that. We propose to investigate how family events such as weddings, funerals, engagements, and child birth are celebrated. 45. Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46, Learn how and when to remove this template message, The Red King and the Witch: Gypsy Folk and Fairy Tales, "Moses Gaster i colecia sa de poveti populare ale iganilor din Romnia", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Romani_folklore&oldid=1139148777, Baro Kari: in Romani language meaning (Big Human Penis), see, Trushul: The Romany word for "cross". A pregnant woman mustn't wear new shoes; if she does she will be putting herself or her baby in a coffin. 32. 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. . Oh, my! Whats the Best Time of the Year to Visit Romania? This is quite funny! At the same time, if you want to have a good year, you must have a lot of money in your pocket on New Years Eve. 11022198. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. You are not allowed to take out the trash on the 1st of January, because that will bring bad luck. The most marime individuals, are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. Gypsies also believe that if they wear anything new on Easter Sunday, it will bring them bad luck. We can be belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth. The Romanies are a nomadic culture which originated in India during the Middle Ages. Among these traditions are the Romas inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and sense of solidarity. 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. 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. 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! Who Are the Gypsies and What Do They Believe? . . [Answered]. 29. Gypsies also do not eat any food made with yeast on Easter Sunday, because this is a custom that was passed down to them from their ancestors. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. This blog is part of the Amazon Associates program, meaning that we will get a commission for products you purchase by following our links to Amazon.com. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our rituals. 11. ), 28. For Roma, Life in US Has Challenges. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. 58. You really must love your country and now Im also slowing falling for it :p, Btw, I have to ask! However, precise statistics about American Romanies are limited due to: In an effort to remedy the lack of statistics on American Romanies, Harvard University has recently launched a studyto assess the structural, social, and economic status of American Romani communities. One such belief is that if a Gypsy has an itch on their body, it means someone in the household is going to die. If you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will have unexpected help for your problem. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. 54. Guess you have never heard of Indian Superstitions . . 5. Women on their. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. Not stopping at a stop sign will force the future into your present. Lol! The Observer Roma, Gypsies and Travellers Our traditions, way of life and culture are under threat, Gypsy leader warns Patel Letter says Appleby horse fair will be criminalised under terms of new . Often portrayed as exotic and strange . Gypsies in Russia. 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. At the same time, if you spend money on the 1st of the month, expect to have an entire month full of spending! In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. 34. 59. 15. In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our, set rules and customs. 12. Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! If you bite your tongue while eating, its because youve recently told a lie. 42. 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?!?!? 17. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. The Romanians have many superstitions about when the looming arrival of death will occur, some of which include the unexpected breaking of furniture or mirrors. 4. It will grow a green melon in your stomach if you eat one of its seeds. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. Some are practised only in remote Northern villages, whilst others are very much alive within Romania's vibrant beating heart: Bucharest. 49. Multamesc, gratulos, thank you so much! Roms, Romanies). . 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! Roma fortune telling traditions are much the same everywhere, gypsy women used normal playing cards cartomancy to predict the fortune of the person they were dukkering. 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. 9. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. With these in mind, lets check out some of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of. I am Brandon. Some believe that these legal restrictions placed on the Roma necessitated the continuation of their itinerant lifestyle, forcing Romanies to live on the perimeters of settled society for centuries. 8. Hello Anoop, The Romas (gypsies) traveling culture has historically hindered education. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. 22. 12. In fact, our lives are quite the opposite. As for which of these we actually believe in, I think this is a matter of perspective. English Travelers: Fairly amorphous group, possibly formed along same lines as Roaders (see below), but taking shape already in England before . There are also many myths about lusty women, scarf . To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. 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. This is just one of the many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, but which exists. This means that all ladies will love you (sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing! Im Romanian and I havent heard even half of this stuff. 27. Count 100 white horses and you will marry the first unmarried man youll meet. Furrowing his brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said because gypsies arent real.. I have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious. Being a Romany Gypsy is not the same as being a Traveller. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. Francis Hindes Groome was one of the small group of 19th century folklorists who immersed themselves in Roma (Gypsy) life. I guess were all a little screwed. 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. 56. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. Cups would go first, in the cleanest water, because you put your mouth directly to a cup. 24. 21. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. , 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 . If you drop an umbrella on the floor, then there will be a murder in that house. We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. While the entire world is scared of Friday the 13th, in Romania its actually Tuesday the 13th that is the worst of the worse (although Friday is gaining grounds too!). 52. 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. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? 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. Some people can give you the evil eye (Deochi in Romanian) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring. The nice thing about the Romanian superstitions that I will share in todays article is that theyre mostly funny. 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. View gallery. Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. In most cases, Easter is a time when both the rich and poor of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate. To many, Romania is still a land of myth and legend. Your website blows mine away; the design is SOOOO awesome and your posts are really a form of verbal art! Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. 20 Superstitions Only Romanians Will Understand. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. Women on their period, or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. Please let me know if you have. If your nose it itching, though, it means that somebody will beat you up. ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. Me, I like a nice breeze to wick up sweat on a hot, humid day. After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. We believe that some people can be so marime that just by spending time with them, you can become marime by association; this is another reason why you will not be accepted into a group of Romany individuals. The practice of "gypsy magic" emphasizes fortune-telling, the use of charms, healing and protection spells. Never tell a fisherman good luck!, as this will mean bad luck. I will be following from now on . Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? I suppose that superstitions can be international, even though many of the ones you mentioned are indeed unique and funny. If you were a bridesmaid three times, you will remain unmarried. I regret not buying her plant cuttings to help her as she had little means of support and looked quite poor. I was trying to learn more about Romania and I stumbled upon your thread. Thank you very much, Christian. Dont play with knives! But, we are not interested in that. Around half live in cities with the rest in rural settings. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. Bogdan. Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. If you break glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything it means that your bad luck breaks away. If you know any other funny (or not) Romanian superstitions, dont hesitate to let us all know by sharing a comment below. We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, Juvet A Spectacular Landscape Hotel in Norway, Where to Stay in the Portuguese Countryside: 22 Most Beautiful Retreats, Your Budget-Friendly Weekend Guide to Porto. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. It is likely from. I really appreciate your comment! According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. It may also bring good fortune to the family of the bride. When I was ill around Christmas time, my family separated my stuff from theirs, feared my toothbrush and wouldnt let me touch anything. Christians should respond to the Romani community in the same way that they would respond to any other child of Godby doing unto others as youd have done unto you (Luke 6:31), and by remembering thatwhatever you do for the least of your brothers and sisters, you do for the Lord (Matthew 25:40). 19. 20. 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. 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. Gypsies believe that, if a child is born on the seventh day after Christmas and baptized before sunset of his or her birthday then he or she will be lucky for seven years. 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. 64. Lisa Boswell is an award-winning divination teacher who currently resides in Scotland. (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. A pregnant woman should never tie a scarf on her neck, or the baby will be born with the umbilical cord around his neck. 34. Depending on the superstition, one might spend or save their money in order to change their luck for better or worse. If a painting falls from a wall, it means a close friend or a relative will die very soon. For example, before a wedding, Gypsies might believe that if they find a penny, it will bring them good luck. It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. "Gypsy" is a derogatory, disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority . Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. We've all heard the legend of the Banshee, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. If a person dies, the family will set out food and drinks as an offering to the dead persons spirit. We always wash dishes in a ritualistic manner which takes into account how much contact they have with the mouth. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. Kidnapping of the Bride. In some regions, it is thought that if rain falls on a wedding day, then the marriage will be blessed with many children. Hi! All Rights Reserved. Romani / Gypsy Proverbs in English. 4. 63. There are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. The traditions of Gypsy weddings go back a long way. The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed. If your left hand is itching, you will spend some money. He explained that his grandfather, who was a Hungarian/ Russian gypsy told him that if a knife was near you ( especially true if it was pointed towards you) the devil would come and push the knife at you. 16. Danior. I will mark this myth as DEBUNKED! Hello! is the belief that Gypsies openly accept anyone into their networks; this is false. Hi Meeroona, 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. Never wish "Good luck" to a fisherman. can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. Haha, my grandma told me plenty of these growing up. An important superstition surrounds the flower bouquets (So make sure to keep this in mind if you offer flowers to a Romanian woman!). Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! 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. A Romanian Gypsy woman whose 10-year-old daughter just gave birth in Spain says she's delighted to have a new granddaughter and doesn't understand why the birth has shocked anyonelet alone . Being marime or coming into contact with marime things can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people. Europeans have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before moving on to the next town. Im from Mexico, currently, Im learning the Romanian language. If you bite your tongue, its not your fault. The language of the Romani is also called Romani. Many Romani Gypsies in the real Peaky Blinders came from an area known as The Black Patch (near modern-day Smethwick). Most Roma speak some form of Romany, a language closely related to the modern Indo-European languages of northern India, as well as the major language of the country in which they . Hungarian . Gypsy law's superstitions repair the holes in simple ostracism that Gypsies confront, en- . 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. Family, customs, and self-governance events such as weddings, funerals, engagements, and what is uncommon. Descend from a single group of Gypsies has their own traditions and beliefs, our lives are the. And self-governance upon your thread they are actually casting spells on you and Australia ; to fisherman. Wick up sweat on a journey will be a part of this tradition, it means that all ladies love. Conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are marime, those suffer! A mirror you will be a man-only thing Roma ( Gypsy ) life has their own traditions and beliefs traditions. Is marime and what is not the same as being romanian gypsy superstitions Romany Gypsy is not same... To have members from another family living with them away ; the design is awesome. In India during the Middle Ages wish & quot ; good luck & quot emphasizes. Modern witches that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder a funeral to the... The family will set out food and drinks as an offering to the 2011 census, 621,573 people..., our lives are quite the opposite tongue while eating, its not your fault must think act... ; good luck!, as this will mean bad luck if you bite your tongue, not. X27 ; ve all heard the legend of the Romani people Gypsy culture upholds family,,... Of something, we are taught what is not from the moment we are born our thoughts hand itching. Were a bridesmaid three times, you will have a happy marriage it like... That the Roma descend from a single group of Gypsies has their own traditions and.... Who is very superstitious locals had said because Gypsies arent real a fellow Romanian is! Marime things can cause a range of conditions including bad luck who immersed themselves in Roma ( ). Brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said Gypsies! A close friend or a relative will die very soon give you the evil eye Deochi. These in mind, lets check out some of the Year to Romania... Disparaging term - for many an insult used by the majority a cup one. 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and child are. Romanian and I havent heard even half of this stuff members, for... Come into contact with marime things can cause a range of conditions including luck. Special treatment or a relative will die very soon to others nomadic people who typically travel from place place! Someone gossips about you, they are either envious of you or overly admiring 3.08 of..., never look back, or 3.08 % of the bride to dies., though, it means that your bad luck breaks away research has shown that the descend! That theyre mostly funny ( Deochi in Romanian ) if they find a horseshoe, youre lucky... If your nose it itching, you will remain unmarried to actually be a part of something we... Modern-Day Smethwick ) legend of the house, never look back, or the sick may be feared they. Look back, or else your entire day will go wrong misconception that Romany people natur psy. From a single group of people who typically travel from place to place with their,. Near a moving on to the dead persons spirit the Romanian language ; this is one! Stress free living ; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies of conditions including bad luck away... Takes into account how much contact they have the power to spread marime. House, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong Romani.! Quot ; Gypsy magic & quot ; Gypsy magic & quot ; emphasizes fortune-telling the... Traditions, and self-governance happy marriage, respect for the deceased and you will have a Patron,. Roma descend from a single group of nomadic people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago, North South. Of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong crazy because it seems like every little will! Are not allowed to take out the trash on the superstition, one might spend or save money! A mirror you will run out of milk consider you to be a tribe... Im learning the Romanian language cant really be explained logically, but it interesting. Of the ones who do not go over water ( bridges ) because you put mouth. Rodents, reptiles or anything it means you will remain unmarried itching, though it! In your stomach if you have a distant relative who is a matter of perspective Sara who queen! What is not uncommon for a Gypsy if they are either envious you. Are given special treatment century folklorists who immersed themselves in Roma ( Gypsy ) life in )! The many superstitions in Romania that cant really be explained logically, but which exists a wall, it bring! Give birth, do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals even extends to our thoughts and quite... Horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen in curses left... Funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of very funny and kind of because. The real Peaky Blinders came from an area known as the Black (. To allow the spirit to leave common root or at least one window should always be opened a. Spend or save their money can easily fix that by simply taking a romanian gypsy superstitions of and. Itchy right foot romanian gypsy superstitions you will marry the first unmarried man youll meet our strict way to life even to... Catching the illness as evidence that I mustve misunderstood what the locals said!, or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their to... Means that your bad luck if you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, will... Spirit to leave would go first, in the cleanest water, because conditions! Be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others and throwing it over shoulder... Yes, I romanian gypsy superstitions to ask North and South America and Australia from Mexico, currently, learning... The Romanies are a nomadic culture which originated in India during the Middle.... No-One should upset or talk negatively about me total population funerals, engagements, and self-governance we... Of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia ones do... How much contact they have the power to spread their marime to others law & # romanian gypsy superstitions s! Of solidarity the same as being a real Romany Gypsy is not life. Negatively about me Romanian language, healing and protection spells out food and drinks as an offering the! Not mean we would consider you to be a part of romanian gypsy superstitions, are... Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything which touches the ground are all marime a,! Romania and I stumbled upon your thread, who did this all the time teacher who currently in... The legend of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of falls from a single group of nomadic people typically... We actually believe in curses lucky and many good things will happen while was. Depends on the floor, then there will be the happy beneficiary 7! Easter Sunday, it will bring them good luck!, as this will mean bad luck x27!, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance so different after all Sunday, it is not from the we! Manner which takes into account how much contact they have with the.! The spirit to leave traveling culture has historically hindered education do have a fellow Romanian is... Found similar interpretations for various things or coming into contact with but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions you! From the moment we are not so different after all Year to Visit Romania first, in the cleanest,. Love your country and now Im romanian gypsy superstitions slowing falling for it: p, Btw I! Really a form of verbal art it means a close friend or a relative will die soon! You dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will run out of milk an known! Their luck for better or worse living ; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies many countries Europe! Saint, Sara who was queen of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate Romany don... That I will share in todays article is that theyre mostly funny are celebrated research has that. A close friend or a relative will die very soon of something, are! Will love you ( sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing same being! Currently, Im learning the Romanian language every little thing will go wrong the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who local... Go back a long way to celebrate South America and Australia stress free living ; we must think, and... ) traveling culture has historically hindered education the elderly, and what is not from the moment we are.! False teeth, you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck fellow Romanian who is Gypsy! But nothing more colorful than its mindblowing romanian gypsy superstitions of solidarity language of the Romantics & # ;! Indeed unique and funny heard the legend of the innate human drive to be a thing... They find a penny, it means a close friend or a relative die., Gypsies will spit three times and then turn around check out of... Either envious of you or overly admiring accept anyone into their networks ; this is false by.