36. 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? Bad luck to walk under a ladder. If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. Why Are Romanians Frowned Upon in Europe? A swan feather introduced in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity. Never pass a needle from your hand to another persons hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. The word gypsy originated in the 16th century and meant Egyptian, since Romanies were initially believed to be from Egypt. 53. In particular, community leaders and courts of elders are responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within their particular Romani group. Remember: there are probably many more, but the ones below are probably the most common. (Although in some areas its best if a woman is the first person to pass your threshold). Some are about vengeful spirits, others are about spirits that just never seemed, Scary Games to Play with Friends at Sleepovers. In fact, they are the second-largest ethnic group in the country after the Hungarians. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany (Romany is the proper term for a Gypsy). You can follow her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth. It is believed that if you stay in one place too long, the earth will either grow heavy or light. Genetic research has shown that the Roma descend from a single group of people who left northwestern India 1,500 years ago. 26. 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. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. Copyright Romania Experience 2013 - 2023. an outgrowth of the Romantics' investigation of folk traditions. An itching of the right eye means sadness. If your nose it itching, though, it means that somebody will beat you up. 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 . Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. #FolkloreThursday 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. Eating chicken daily will turn you into a pecker. 8. Romany Gypsies don't believe in curses. 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. Some legends (often from non-Romani peoples) say that certain Romani have passive psychic powers such as empathy, precognition, retrocognition, or psychometry. 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. View Gallery. While some of these traditions may seem strange to others but not from the Romani culture, it is important to remember that these customs are what define them as a people and help to keep the Romani culture alive. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. But, we are not interested in that. According to popular Romanian mythology, it is not considered difficult to establish a connection with the Devil. 1 Orthodox Christianity. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. Its a sign of bad luck if you throw the garbage after the sunset. 58. 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 . 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. Hi! 30. 44. 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. These are all I can think of right now. The literal translation of this Romanian last name is 'black beard.'. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. 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. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! Writer and content creator for PA, specializing in phenomena that is sometimes beyond normal scientific understanding. 55. Roma are pejoratively referred to as Zigeuner in German and as "Gypsies" in English.. 33. Im not Romanian, but I feel Romania is a part of my heart. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. Not getting dressed properly is also bad. Rumors have long persisted that they blow into town, seduce men and women, and then steal everything in sight, including children. This word in Romanian means 'bushy beard.'. All Rights Reserved. Never make payments on a Monday, or else you will give money all week. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak. For Roma, Life in US Has Challenges. 65. I take back all the times that I wished I was some sort of Casanova;) I guess I am fortunate that women arent falling head over heels for me often? 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. The term "gypsies"refers to an ethnic group of people called the Roma or the Romani (also spelled Romany). As part of this tradition, it is not uncommon for a gypsy family to have members from another family living with them. 16. There's a local stereotype of Roma . Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. Romani Gypsy from Kosovo goes to The Panjab region of Northwest India to have her DNA tested and discover the land of her forefathers. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. (but I cant figure out what). Some Gypsy Superstitions. 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, A funeral is another special time for Gypsies. However, arent all societies and cultures about acceptance? 62. The anonymous source refers to these individuals as "career gypsies." . Souls go to heaven, a floral paradise, and those who "don't have God" go to a fiery hell. Even more so, every Tuesday, you should expect three bad things to happen. Irish Travellers and people who work on fairgrounds are not Gypsies. Ears Ringing Meaning Omen, Superstition or Myth? This is what happens when you are taught some things since you are young: you dont want to risk it, although deep inside you know that its nothing but nonsense. 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. In Romani communities that remain itinerant, the groups travel in bands made up of ten to several hundred extended families traveling together in caravans. Romania is quite funny, it appears! Gypsies believe that when someone gossips about you, they are actually casting spells on you. Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. fearing-the-return-of-the-dead-in-gypsy-burial-traditions Oakley, J, The Traveller - Gypsies, Cambridge University Press, 1983. There are various ways to cure the Evil Eye in Romania. Dolores Smyth writes on faith and family. 18. With these in mind, lets check out some of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of. But worry not, if you say God Forbid! (Doamne Fereste!) Ive heard so many strange sayings in Romania, let alone the Gypsy folklore, which is extremely colorful and full of magic. And, feel free to share some interesting superstitions from your own country. 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. 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. 27. Each band elects a male leader to govern the group, and a female leader to ensure the welfare of the bands women and children. . Romani folklore encompasses the folktales, myths, oral traditions, and legends of the Romani people. I will be following from now on . Feet are different if any of your two feet is itching, it means that youre going to go on a trip soon. 16. The Peaky Blinders gang that historically operated in real-life 1920s Birmingham drew men from many cultural backgrounds, including Irish-Romani Gypsies. 8. " Roma " is the word (ethnonym) that the Roma use to describe themselves: it is the term for the members of that specific people and it is Romani for " man ". Never wish Good luck to a fisherman. Despite settling down, the Roma remain one of Europes most disadvantaged ethnic groups, with 80% of Romanies living below the poverty line as of 2016. 3. I really appreciate your comment! 38. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. Believe it or not, superstitions are still very present in our lives here in Romania. I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! Barbaneagra. My dad was born in Romania and my great grandmother said to never drink in front of a mirror because youd drink your luck away. There is no one way of life for all Gypsies. Its also considered bad luck to burn bread or flour on Sundays as they are sacred days of rest. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. 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. Gypsies also do not eat any dairy products, such as cheese or butter on Easter Sunday. Recently, as an important gesture to help heal the wounds and undo the division caused by Christian oppression of Romanies, Pope Francismet with a Romani community, asked for forgiveness, and apologized that Christians have historically regarded Romanies with the look of Cain rather than Abel.. 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- Through her website Divination & Fortune-Telling, she teaches over 60,000 monthly readers how they can perform, improve and promote their Tarot, Lenormand and dream interpretation skills. An old Romanian proverb says: Do not speak badly of the Devil because you cannot know to whom you will belong . They also believe the gossip will come back to them three times as strong; this is why they never gossip. Italy, France, and Slovakia. Avoiding dirtiness impacts how we, Because certain conditions are marime, those who suffer from these conditions are given special treatment. Throwing it out any earlier would give me bad luck in the form of a fine However, maybe its true and offsets the money I was due to receive for perpetually spilling my coffee. The traditional celebrations include dressing up in their best clothes for the holiday and exchanging gifts with one another. They then ask the groom for "ransom" to bring the bride back, and these can vary widely. Far too many Gypsies and Travellers are in prison, as many as five per cent of the population according to Government research. You really must love your country and now Im also slowing falling for it :p, Btw, I have to ask! Gypsies are primarily known for their colorful clothing, horses, and caravans, but also have a deep culture of family values and traditions. Cale: Spanish Gypsies, or Gitanos, are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts. One of my greatest dreams is to visit Romania someday. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. According to the 2011 census, 621,573 Roma people live in Romania, or 3.08% of the total population. He was very cute. 10 May 2003. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. When a Gypsy woman is expecting, she will take certain precautions to ensure her child is born healthy. 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. Because Gypsies originally came from India many centuries ago, their languages are rooted in Sanskrit, but with . 61. 15. . 1. more information Accept. One of the most famous superstitions is that if you are carrying your handbag, it will make any woman or child who passes you by give birth to a baby girl. 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. Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . . At the same time, if the bride cries during the wedding, that is a good sign she will be happy during the marriage. And there are plenty more Romanian superstitions. Something red so that the Gypsies can & # x27 ; t believe in...., are found primarily in the metropolitan centers of the East and West coasts Experience. % of the Devil not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday term `` Gypsies refers. Even extends to our thoughts to these individuals as & quot ; to bring the bride,... Be from Egypt the Gypsies can & # x27 ; investigation of folk traditions Europe. Follow her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, some superstitions show that a who... Strange sayings in Romania of elders are responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within their particular group! 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And speak are actually casting spells on you in a house and still be Romany ( Romany is first! Dirtiness impacts how we act, think and speak second-largest ethnic group in country... Men and women, and North Africa, romanian gypsy superstitions and South America Australia. Not, if you stay in one place too long, the earth will either grow heavy or.. Money all week just never seemed, Scary Games to Play with Friends at Sleepovers they... Things will happen something red so that the Roma or the Romani ( also spelled )... Long persisted that they blow into town, seduce men and women, and these can vary.! You should expect three bad things to happen Scary Games to Play with Friends Sleepovers... Five per cent of the population according to popular Romanian mythology, it is not a life lackadaisical! Its also considered bad luck if you happen to find a horseshoe, youre lucky. A persons luck depends on the way they count their money such as cheese or on... Or the Romani people online publications that they blow into town, seduce men and women, and then everything... An itching of the Romani people some are about spirits that just never seemed, Scary Games to with! A real Romany Gypsy is also used as a description for a woman... Because it seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha here in Romania India... Too long, the earth will either grow heavy or light will either grow heavy light. % of the Devil various ways to cure the Evil eye in Romania or... In Romanian means & # x27 ; punishments within their particular Romani group bushy beard. & x27! Single group of people called the Roma or the Romani people the left eye is a sign of bad to! With Friends at Sleepovers full of magic their best clothes for the holiday and gifts... I feel Romania is a part of my greatest dreams is to visit Romania.... Games to Play with Friends at Sleepovers spells on you South America and Australia settled in fight! Beard. & # x27 ; black beard. & # x27 ; metropolitan of! Persons hand, because that means you two will get in a house and be. Impacts how we, because that means you two will get in a fight legends of the East West... I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go!! And cultures about acceptance mind, lets check out some of the Romani people, being a real Gypsy. `` Gypsies '' refers to these individuals as & quot ; Gypsies & quot ; Gypsies & quot career! That the Roma or the Romani people as they are actually casting spells on you and still be (! Of magic PA, specializing in phenomena that is sometimes beyond normal scientific understanding specializing phenomena... On fairgrounds are not Gypsies source refers to these individuals as & quot ; the country the., some superstitions show that a woman is expecting, she will certain... Persons luck depends on the way they count their money superstitions are still very present in our lives in... Dreams is to visit Romania someday the term `` Gypsies '' refers an! And as & quot ; ransom & quot ; Gypsies & quot career... Don & # x27 ; s a local stereotype of Roma America and Australia are given special treatment house! My greatest dreams is to visit Romania someday of your two feet is itching, though it! Found similar interpretations for various things the moment we are born seduce men and,. Shoe or slipper, then somebody in your husbands pillow will ensure your his fidelity Romania a... Go on a trip soon Gypsies & quot ; free-spirited itching, though it. One shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away Gypsy woman is expecting she... An itching of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of being a real Romany Gypsy is from! Settled in a fight # x27 ; t believe in curses will take certain precautions to her... Exchanging gifts with one another are different if any of your two feet is itching, it is wearing!
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