Gypsy Culture
Several aspects of their original Indian heritage remains within Romani culture till today, evident from elements of the Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary, parallels between traditional Romani crafts and their Indian counterparts of the Dom caste, and most notably the shared concept of ‘contamination’ regarding certain foods, crimes, and body parts. However, Romani people rarely adopt names of traditional Romani origin, instead choosing names based on their country of residence.
The Romani traditionally give high regard to family, in that relations between family members, even extended ones, is always of utmost importance. Although child marriage is condoned within Romani culture, it is often deemed illicit by the authorities, resulting in much controversy over such events.
The Romani traditionally give high regard to family, in that relations between family members, even extended ones, is always of utmost importance. Although child marriage is condoned within Romani culture, it is often deemed illicit by the authorities, resulting in much controversy over such events.
As with Hindu culture, the Romani have adopted many practices with respect to the idea of ‘purity’. Examples of such customs include viewing childbirth and death as “impure”, the affected individuals remaining impure for a certain number of days before being allowed to be “reintegrated” into Romani society.
From here on out let us explore a few notable aspects of their culture!
From here on out let us explore a few notable aspects of their culture!