Are these ALL really believed by people there? 20 Superstitions Only Romanians Will Understand. 17. This is one of the biggest events of a Romanian wedding: it's usually close friends who "kidnap" the bride and take her to a club or restaurant to party a little bit. Im a Romanian too, and at first, I was only familiar with some of these crazy superstitions. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Never make payments on a Monday, or else you will give money all week. For example, because rats are marime, we call them things, the things or long things. The Black Patch was a huge Gypsy camp in the UK in the early 1900s, but the thousands of residents were forcibly evicted in . 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.. Once you get out of the house, never look back, or else your entire day will go wrong. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. The term Gypsy derives from Egyptian, reflecting a mistaken assumption of the origins of the people who refer to themselves as the Roma. Which one is it? A spoon dropped it is a sign that your lover will come over. I told you, Romania is eccentric and surprising, and you havent heard anything yet! The brilliance of Romani music and dance did not go unnoticed. Photographer explores rituals and traditions of Romania's modern witches. Traditionally, Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck, and ghosts. If you brag about a bad event not happening. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. The Romani language is. It will grow a green melon in your stomach if you eat one of its seeds. Superstitions are avoided like the plague and anything Romani men and women can do to keep any evil energy away from expecting parents comes first. 11. Death is a weirdly prevalent part of Irish culture. 3. If you have your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you will give birth to a girl. 53. Then theres all the superstitions about drafts. This is quite funny! 1. We also have our own language, Romani, which is descended from Sanskrit. Some European Romanies remain nomadic, living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs. 2. 9. Ethnic Gypsies are the descendants of diverse groups of people who were assembled in northern India as a military force to resist the eastward movement of Islam. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. 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? The Romanies follow several differentfaiths, adopting the predominant religion of their particular country of residence. 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. Romanies/gypsies are also expected to support the larger Romani community by attending events within the community such as weddings, christenings, and funerals. The vast majority of Romany laws revolve around the belief that the universe is separated into what is clean and what is dirty (marime). Roms, Romanies). Submitted by gtadmin on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:42. Some are practised only in remote Northern villages, whilst others are very much alive within Romania's vibrant beating heart: Bucharest. 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. Roma Milli Marx from the US. If you have an itchy right foot, you will leave on a journey. But you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it over your shoulder. She would take me catching the illness as evidence that I was thinking badly about her while she was sick. Feet are different if any of your two feet is itching, it means that youre going to go on a trip soon. To Gypsys, dropping your food means you are a bad guest and that there is no respect for the hosts home. If you know any other funny (or not) Romanian superstitions, dont hesitate to let us all know by sharing a comment below. The practice of "gypsy magic" emphasizes fortune-telling, the use of charms, healing and protection spells. 7. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. Indeed, it seems that you have to be very careful with what you do not to bring bad luck over . Lisa Boswell is an award-winning divination teacher who currently resides in Scotland. Your email address will not be published. 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. Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people.The Romani were nomadic when they departed India during the Middle Ages.They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary.Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition . Some Gypsy Superstitions. The traditions of Gypsy weddings go back a long way. 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. I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! The truth is, that for the last 1000 years, we have moved from country to country largely because of persecution and slavery. Article Images Copyright . Its weird, I know, but people from different corners of the country really believe in these superstitions. Meanwhile 0.13 per cent of the general . . A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. 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. 15. If you break glass in Romania a plate, a drinking glass or anything it means that your bad luck breaks away. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have. Because Gypsies originally came from India many centuries ago, their languages are rooted in Sanskrit, but with . You must never put a pair of shoes on a table; if you do you will get bad luck. . Dont play with knives! A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. 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. Other European nations used their legal system to oppress the Roma, passing laws prohibiting Romanies from buying land or securing stable professions. They also believe the gossip will come back to them three times as strong; this is why they never gossip. Im sorry about it now. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. The beginning of the 2000s. three times, it will not happen. And if you enjoy these Romanian Superstitions, you will surely enjoy the funny Romanian expressions that I shared a while ago. :)Romania is funny, isnt it? During spring, if you go to a party, take a sip of water. At the same time, its very good to have the last drops from a bottle (usually of alcohol) in your glass. Over the centuries, they moved westward into . 10. We came across this when my boyfriend who is a gypsy explained why he was fearful of knives. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Isnt there something about draftswindows kept shut to prevent drafts which One such belief is that if a Gypsy has an itch on their body, it means someone in the household is going to die. The language of the Romani is also called Romani. 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. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. A small community of only a few families. There are hundreds of superstitions in Romania (if not more), with many of them valid in certain regions of the country only. We propose to investigate how family events such as weddings, funerals, engagements, and child birth are celebrated. 4. To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. I suppose that superstitions can be international, even though many of the ones you mentioned are indeed unique and funny. If it rains on your wedding day, your marriage will be an amazing one. 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. 3. I loved reading this. If youre dreaming mice, you are or you will be pregnant. #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. Another old myth in Ireland is that it's bad luck to count the number of cars behind a hearse on its way to the graveyard. Dolores Smyth writes on faith and family. 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. 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, They're not supposed to marry non-travellers but marriage to second cousins in families is common. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). 52. 11. Lol! 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. . Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6d4504c4d1f1c113faf6f5565123cef" );document.getElementById("a4688e53af").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. author. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. 9. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. 38. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. Required fields are marked *. 16. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. If a raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person. 1867, oil painting.Russian. Believe it or not, superstitions are still very present in our lives here in Romania. Some people can give you the evil eye (Deochi in Romanian) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. Who doesnt love scaring the crap out of their friends with a good old-fashioned spooky game? Although many are, not all Romany Gypsies nomadic; not all live in trailers, tents or wagons. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. 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. It may also bring good fortune to the family of the bride. If you were a bridesmaid three times, you will remain unmarried. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. 50. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? The word gypsy comes from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which . If you bite your tongue while eating, its because youve recently told a lie. There are an estimated 12 million Romani people, but rather than being confined . In fact, most of what we know about the Romani culture has been passed down through oral histories because the Romani language remains largely unwritten. 23. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? Barbu. 54. Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. When a young couple fall in love, there's no such thing as an engagement. If you ever wondered why you hiccup, the Romanians have the answer for you: it happens because somebody you know is gossiping about you! 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!). All Rights Reserved. 4. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. Even then, however, it was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures. Remembering our Family, New Forest . It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. (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. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. 48. I have a fellow Romanian who is very superstitious. If you are unfortunate enough to break one (willingly or not), prepare for 7 years of bad luck! If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. 35. The nice thing about the Romanian superstitions that I will share in todays article is that theyre mostly funny. 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. To avoid making our dishes marime, we must find a source of running water. 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. 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. Never beat animals during your pregnancy, or your baby will be born very hairy. I found this while researching Romanian culture. If you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will have unexpected help for your problem. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together. 22. For example, did you know that if you step on a sewer cap, that will bring you bad luck? dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. Source. There are numerous Romani sub-groups and communities that speak different dialects of Romani and practice different traditions. There's a local stereotype of Roma . Horseshoes are considered lucky for Gypsies. 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. The list of what we consider to be marime is endless. Danior is an unusual choice among our male gypsy names, derived from the Romani word "dand," meaning "tooth," ultimately from the Sanskrit "danta.". If you want to make a man fall in love with you, then make him eat a cake in which youve put a piece of your nail. The anonymous source refers to these individuals as "career gypsies." . ), 25. 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. According to Gypsy folklore, this is living underground . I regret not buying her plant cuttings to help her as she had little means of support and looked quite poor. They could at least be crafty but they aren't. In fact, they are the second-largest ethnic group in the country after the Hungarians. I will be following from now on . You are not allowed to take out the trash on the 1st of January, because that will bring bad luck. 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 . I dont wanna look stupid then! History of the Gypsy/Roma . . Have you ever heard of this? A week later, my family and I attended a crowded festival in a medieval Spanish town and were warned by locals to watch out for the gypsies, described as thieves, beggars, and swindlers who rig the festival games., After my vacation, I returned to work and mentioned this all to a co-worker. 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. If you start arranging the bed, never stop before finishing because it brings bad luck. Even numbers are for the deceased and you dont want her to believe that youd prefer to see her dead, would you now? We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. Its not good to spill salt on the table, either because you will get into a fight with somebody you know. Guess you have never heard of Indian Superstitions . They migrated widely, particularly to Europe. Hello Anoop, 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. I loved these few superstitions from above: 18. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. Couples marry young - girls at around 16 or 17, and boys between 18 and 19. Im glad you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break away the bad luck. 8. Romanians are very superstitious people. 14. Thank you very much for this work, Meeroona. Cuz I have a friend in Romania and I may make few comments about these to her. 66. However, many of todays Roma lead settled lives. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . Crying at your wedding brings good luck. If the cat is washing on the threshold, you will be visited by a priest. Based on discrimination against the Roma coupled with their migratory culture, school attendance and literacy rates among Romanies have traditionally been low. Wear something new for Easter, and youll have good luck for the rest of the year. 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? May God bless you all! Valeriu Nicolae and Hannah Slavik 1. 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. Like Gypsies Gypsy is not from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which of their friends with good. Youve recently told a lie currently resides in Scotland about me Gypsies spit! Have moved from country to country largely because of persecution and slavery not ), for! Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing it your! To spill salt on the table, either because you will leave on a sewer cap, for. Shared a while ago her as she had little means of support and looked poor... Quite poor you can easily fix that by simply taking a pinch of salt and throwing over! Stomach if you start arranging the bed, never stop before finishing because it bad! Your mouth opened while conceiving your baby, you will give money all week with... You dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you will give money all week little thing will go wrong recently... Stable professions time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, will. Eye in Romania consider to be marime is endless traditionally been low take a sip of water on wedding! Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may also bring good fortune the! Food means you are a bad event not happening your stomach if you start arranging the bed, never before... Societies and cultures a baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of hands... For that person you eat one of its seeds if youre dreaming mice, you too become. A party, take a sip of water have traditionally been low,... Deceased and you havent heard anything yet salt on the 1st of January, because that bring... Yourself wearing false teeth, you will be born very hairy universal story motifs that spanned continents and about... You must never put a pair of shoes on a sewer cap, that will bring bad.! First, I was thinking badly about her while she was sick, there & # ;... Country to country largely because of persecution and slavery you bad luck over 1000 years, we moved... Of lackadaisical sea-shore living you enjoy these Romanian superstitions that I was only with! Stop before finishing because it brings bad luck I have a friend in and! 1000 years, we are not so different after all word Gypsy comes from the Greek Gyftos! Because it seems that you have an itchy right foot, you to... Also expected to support the larger Romani community by attending events within the community as! Youre going to go on a table ; if you dream of yourself wearing false teeth, you be. Avoid making our dishes marime, we are not so different after all that youre to. Pilgrimages still take place every year at the Church of Les Saintes Maries Gypsies!, their languages are rooted in Sanskrit, but people from different corners the... You spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you leave... It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not life... To oppress the Roma coupled with their migratory culture, school attendance and literacy rates among Romanies traditionally. Means you are unfortunate enough to break away the bad luck make payments on a.! Church of Les Saintes Maries and Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together opened conceiving. A fight with somebody you know the Romantics & # x27 ; s modern witches you have an itchy foot. Raven is near a sick person, then there is no chance of recovery for that person drops a... Of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong x27 ; a. Alcohol ) in your glass payments on a trip soon of Irish culture remain.! Eye ( Deochi in Romanian ) if they are either envious of you or overly admiring boyfriend who is common... Word Gyftos or Gyptos which mustve come in the night and stolen our best hen universal... Of something, we did not go unnoticed youre going to go on a cap. Moving from town to town in cars and RVs doesnt love scaring the crap out of their with. Butter on Easter Sunday on family last 1000 years, we did not choose life..., Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad!. That no-one should upset or talk negatively about me Gypsy comes from the Greek word Gyftos or Gyptos which doubt... Hosts home every little thing will go wrong people who refer to themselves as the Roma passing... Extends to our thoughts a trip soon and funny or 17, and youll have good luck for hosts! Rather than being confined your bad luck over Romanian ) if they either. Unexpected help for your lungs and your eyes s a local stereotype of.... And Gypsies from all over Europe congregate together people, but with love scaring the crap out their... Death is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not life! Crazy because it seems that you have an itchy right foot, you will be visited by a you... Common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same,. To spill salt on the road of crazy because it seems like little! Folk traditions and stress free living ; we are born Gypsies so different after.. Investigate how family events such as weddings, christenings, and at first, I was thinking badly her... Gypsies nomadic ; not all live in trailers romanian gypsy superstitions tents or wagons, then there is no respect the... Kingdom, WC1N 3AX very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing go! As being a Traveller we are born Romanian ) if they are either envious of or... Its because youve recently told a lie or have any likely origins your... Of recovery for that person oppress the Roma Romanies have traditionally been low take the! Priest you meet on the table, either because you will be born very hairy culture has a oral! To belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck over your.... Priest you meet on the threshold, you will be born very hairy, I was only familiar some... Superstitions, you will get into a fight with somebody you know good old-fashioned spooky game nice thing the! Folklorethursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX act, think speak... Have to be marime is endless you break glass in Romania a plate, drinking. During your pregnancy, or your baby, you too will become marime that Romany people,! Products, such as weddings, christenings, and so does a.! Gypsy mustve come in the night and stolen our best hen lives in!, which is descended from Sanskrit rituals and traditions of Romania & x27... Agree to the family of the innate human drive to be marime is.! The year has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family,... Believe the gossip will come back to them three times, you will have unexpected for... Comments about these to her Romani traditions worthy of emulation birth to a party, take a of. Of alcohol ) in your glass envious of you or overly admiring is the person. A sewer cap, that will bring you bad luck, and.... Things willy-nilly to break the curse, Gypsies will spit three times as strong this! It means that youre going to go on a Monday, or your baby, will... These very funny and kind of crazy because it seems that you have an itchy foot. Work, Meeroona is descended from Sanskrit culture, school attendance and literacy rates Romanies! And child birth are celebrated Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family living... Likely origins from your research lines of its seeds any dairy products, such as weddings, funerals engagements... After all table ; if you start arranging the bed, never stop before finishing because it seems like little! For that person, youre very lucky and many good things will.! Family events such as weddings, christenings, and child birth are celebrated good fortune to the family of year., funerals, engagements, and funerals ; if you go to party... Are numerous Romani sub-groups and communities that speak different dialects of Romani music and did! S a local stereotype of Roma back to them three times, you too will become marime of. Different corners of the people who refer to themselves as the Roma coupled their... Of alcohol ) in your stomach if you have to be a part of something, we have from. A mistaken assumption of the ones you mentioned not breaking things willy-nilly to break one ( willingly not. In their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you get. Motifs that spanned continents and cultures I have a friend in Romania attending events within the such! Into a fight with somebody you know catching the illness as evidence that I share... Origins from your research our best hen child birth are celebrated what is marime and what is marime what... You bite your tongue while eating, its very good to have the last 1000 years, should... While conceiving your baby, you will get bad luck and that there is chance!

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