Gypsies

You’ve probably all heard of the term ‘Gypsy,’ in some context or the other, but I’m guessing very few actually know what they’re all about. I myself was only exposed to them when I stumbled across a rather intense reality TV show, ‘My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.’ You may have watched it before, but if you haven’t, believe me when I say it is intense. I actually enjoyed it a lot, so much so that I went to research all about the Gypsy culture.

Where do Gypsies come from?

The gypsies –also known as Roma- actually originated from a region of northwestern India from the provinces of Rajasthan, Punjab and Sindh (modern day India and Pakistan). They migrated all around the world, but are mostly concentrated in Europe, and arrived here in the 1400s.

This shows where and when the Gypsies migrated to from Northern India/Pakistan

Why are they called Gypsies?

The Europeans called them ‘Gypsies’ because they thought they came from Egypt and they were even referred to as Egyptians.

Which kinds of people make up the Gypsies?

The gypsies are made of distinct groups called “tribes” or “nations.” Most of the Gypsies in German-occupied Europe belonged to the Sinti and Roma tribes. The Sinti generally predominated in Germany and Western Europe, and the Roma in Austria, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. The Sinti and Roma actually spoke dialects of Romani, based off Sanskrit - the traditional language of India.

How were Gypsies treated?

The Gypsies faced huge discrimination due to the colour of their dark skin and Europeans enslaved many of them. The Roma were targeted by the Nazi regime in Germany. They were called ‘Zigeuner’ which meant ‘untouchable.’ They were deemed ‘racially inferior.’ The British Parliament in 1554 even made it a felony punishable by death to be a Gypsy! They were portrayed as cunning and mysterious outsiders who told fortunes and stole goods before moving onto the next town.

Why were Gypsies constantly moving around?

The Gypsies were nomadic by necessity. They were continuously on the move as a matter of survival and thus developed a reputation for a nomadic lifestyle.

Roma Culture

Many of the traditional Roma worked as craftsmen, such as blacksmiths, cobblers, horse dealers and toolmakers. Others were performers such as musicians, circus animal trainers, and dancers.

Family Structure

Gypsies have a strong family and community focus. Romanis are typically married young, often in their teens and the marriages are arranged. Their weddings are very extravagant, involving large and colourful dresses.

Gypsies Today

The modern gypsies of today are also scattered worldwide. About 1.7 million live in Egypt and 1 million in the USA. They have a total population of around 20 million, each with a different level of beliefs and cultural magnitude.

Afrin Jubair Ali