A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. If youre dreaming mice, you are or you will be pregnant. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. 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. 4. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. 33. , 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 . They do this to help pay for the dead persons way into heaven. 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. Whats the Best Time of the Year to Visit Romania? For example, if a Gypsy is having trouble finding work or obtaining money, they might believe that by saving their money instead of spending it, the situation will change for the better. There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. You are only supposed to give an uneven number of flowers. If you do, prepare to wet the bed over the night! 58. They're not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families is common. 11. Irish Travellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. 31. Historians believe that the original Romani population who migrated to Europe were distrusted by the Europeans as a displaced people with a strange, nomadic lifestyle. Born into a Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the occult from a young age. Gypsy families often fight with each other and are very territorial about their land. Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. At least one window should always be opened at a funeral to allow the spirit to leave. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. Because Gypsies originally came from India many centuries ago, their languages are rooted in Sanskrit, but with . Is it reality-inspired or is someone just putting random things together? While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. Gypsy rain is thought by some Romani people to be a sign that the rain is washing away their sins. Also known as 'Gypsies', the Roma are nomads who originated in India during the middle ages, and spread across a wide section of Eurasia, preserving a unique culture and language. As for which of these we actually believe in, I think this is a matter of perspective. Life as a Romany Gypsy is not all boho dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. 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. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. Should I be excited or nervous? If a cat washes her face and paws in the hallway, it means guests are coming. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. . 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. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani "gypsies" that remains prevalent today. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. If a painting falls from a wall, it means a close friend or a relative will die very soon. There are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. To many, Romania is still a land of myth and legend. 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? 7. No content from this site may be used elsewhere without the permission of either #FolkloreThursday or the article Irish T. ravellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. are the ones who do not follow our cleaning rules and rituals. Have good dayLa revedere! Crying at your wedding brings good luck. There is no one way of life for all Gypsies. Another is that you should eat a spoonful of sugar or honey and then drink some milk to cure the hiccups. Its not good to give animals for free because you will carry them on your back on the other side. (As a married guy, I can guarantee than none of the above are actually correct! They could at least be crafty but they aren't. Dear Meeroona, First of all I want to say I loved reading all these superstitions. Furrowing his brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said because gypsies arent real.. Im glad you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break away the bad luck. 34. Reading these superstitions just reminded me of him. An itching of the right eye means sadness. Watch out, supernatural fans, things could get really weird! 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. Gypsies have many superstitions and traditions that are deeply rooted in their culture. If you stay in the corner of the table, you will never get married. Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. I guess in this way, we are similar. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. 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. 53. Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . In fact, one Gypsy may consider another Gypsy not to actually be a Gypsy if they do not follow our rituals. A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. Which one is it? ), 28. lol I love Romania! . Traditional Romani and Gypsy culture upholds family, customs, and self-governance. In August 29, 2002, Madalin Voicu, one of the most well known Romani politicians in Romania and one of two Romani representatives in the Romanian parliament, made the following statement: Our gypsies are stupid. 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) If you bite your tongue while eating, its because youve recently told a lie. There are hundreds of superstitions in Romania (if not more), with many of them valid in certain regions of the country only. One of the most prominent beliefs is that they dont share their bottle with anyone, and this includes other gypsies. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. Charles Leland, an expert in folklore, wrote about Gypsy ways in the late 1800s. 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. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Engagements. 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. It is wise to pitch a tent near a . Gypsy money superstitions are connected to a persons luck. View Gallery. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe. Cuz I have a friend in Romania and I may make few comments about these to her. You mustn't cut a child's hair until they reach their second birthday . 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. 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. 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. 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 . 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 . Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. 6. If you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will have unexpected help for your problem. Depending on the superstition, one might spend or save their money in order to change their luck for better or worse. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. 13. I just tried to look up a phrase in Romanian and stumbled on the superstitions! Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. He can appear quickly, happy with the availability of the person who wishes to be initiated into the secrets of witchcraft. 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. 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. 26. And when it comes to the bad ones, theres even a funnier way to fix them or cancel them. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. I cant think of anymore right now, but Im sure there are more. 3. Lisa Boswell is an award-winning divination teacher who currently resides in Scotland. Gypsies also believe that they should not wash their hair on Easter Sunday, as this will bring them bad luck. 43. These superstitions are gathered from all over the country, so your friend might not be familiar with all of them. We've all heard the legend of the Banshee, whose scream you hear before someone close to you dies. Never wish "Good luck" to a fisherman. 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. what about the (irrational) fear of getting a dog hair in your mouth if you own a dog? 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, 45. Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. 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. The image of the Gypsy conjures up ideas of a carefree people, who live life without rules and restrictions. A spoon dropped it is a sign that your lover will come over. We talk about it, sing about itand follow superstitions about it. 21. 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. [Answered]. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. Who Are the Gypsies and What Do They Believe? And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. Therefore, you can attract not only diseases. Among these traditions are the Roma's inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and . #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. 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. Wear something new for Easter, and youll have good luck for the rest of the year. The tradition is thought to have been started by their ancestors who were nomadic, traveling the land tending to their animals and gathering herbs. We can be belittled, ostracized and excommunicated for something as little as dropping a cloth. In spite of myths of Roma immorality . Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. Company registered in England & Wales, no. 63. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. Romanies generally adopt the religion of the country where they live. Our focus is not on, you have caught certain conditions. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. Among other things, liquid which comes from the body (urine etc. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. The gypsies also believe that it is unlucky to leave ones house without putting on both shoes, and as such, many gypsies wear two left shoes. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. It means that somebody just said something bad about you. In fact, for a Romany person, using the kitchen items of marime individuals is the fastest route to becoming marime like them. 52. 5. The Romani people have a strong sense of family, but also believe in the importance of respecting other families as well. Isnt there something about draftswindows kept shut to prevent drafts which 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. (but I cant figure out what). The traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best clothes for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another. These nomadic Roma (gypsies) traveled in horse-drawn, brightly-colored wagons and sought jobs conducive to a transient lifestyle. Worshipers look to the Romanian Orthodox church . Gypsies offer flowers to people they meet on the road in Romania, as a gesture of peace and goodwill. 11. But, we are not interested in that. Every family and group of Gypsies has their own traditions and beliefs. Meanwhile 0.13 per cent of the general . Often portrayed as exotic and strange . Never wash your hair on a Tuesday or else you will have bad luck. 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. Seeing an ambulance brings bad luck unless you pinch your nose right away or hold your breath until you see a brown or a black dog. Oh, my! The nice thing about the Romanian superstitions that I will share in todays article is that theyre mostly funny. Women on their period, or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. If you brag about a bad event not happening. Other legends include the ability to levitate, travel through astral projection by way of meditation, invoke curses or blessings, conjure or channel spirits, and skill with illusion-casting. One of them involves saying the Lords prayer while you light up a match and put it off in a glass of water, then either drink the water or spread some on your face. or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. . 3. The word gyp, which means to swindle, is also offensive to Romanies because the word likely derives from the word gypsy and stereotypes all those thought to be gypsies as swindlers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. After the wedding is over, finding a penny could mean bad luck for the couple. Even if your little guy isn't born with a set of chompers, Danior is still a cool Romani name for you to "sink your teeth" into. Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-NewsIn January, European Union restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria were lifted, meaning citizen. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! In most cases, Easter is a time when both the rich and poor of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate. Its not good to spill salt on the table, either because you will get into a fight with somebody you know. These are all I can think of right now. Have you ever heard of this? This will make your protecting angel to run away from you. OK to charge a penny. You were supposed to put a hair from the dog in the wound to cure it. 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! If you have a distant relative who is a Gypsy, this does not mean we would consider you to be one too. If you ever wondered why you hiccup, the Romanians have the answer for you: it happens because somebody you know is gossiping about you! Babys nails should never be cut until the age of one, or else he will become a thief. 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. 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