1 Orthodox Christianity. Can You Live on $1,000 per Month in Romania? The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. Today, the Romani are a diverse people living in every inhabited continent in the world. I did know my Hungarian great-grandmother, who did this all the time. The man goes to the girl's family and tells the father they would . Some European Romanies remain nomadic, living in camps or caravans and moving from town to town in cars and RVs. We talk about it, sing about itand follow superstitions about it. After you give birth, do not go over water (bridges) because you will run out of milk. Youll also have a good year if the first person that walks in your home when the year begins is a man. Among these traditions are the Romas inclusion of extended family members, respect for the elderly, and sense of solidarity. 26. This has been both a blessing and a curse, as the Gypsies' place in society has oscillated from "tolerated" to "actively persecuted.". But if your right hand is itching, you will receive money. Source. Gypsy History and Folklore. 43. Another is that you should eat a spoonful of sugar or honey and then drink some milk to cure the hiccups. 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. Gypsy families are often quite large, with many children and extended family members living together in one home. "Gypsies" were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and prone to steal. 35. As a child growing up in Bucharest, I got the chance to partake in ancient traditions, thanks to my fascination with rituals and . ), rodents, reptiles or anything which touches the ground are all marime. 37. 57. We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. Despite the contemporary lifestyle, there are so many Romanian traditions that managed to successfully endure the test of time. If you wear a foot rabbit in your pocket, it will protect from evil spirits. I will agree with Angela not all gypsies are Roma or Romani. 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. In Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, rain on ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their spouse. " 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 ". 11. :)Romania is funny, isnt it? They could at least be crafty but they aren't. According to popular Romanian mythology, it is not considered difficult to establish a connection with the Devil. 62. Never give the last cigarette from your pack because this means giving away your wife. When a young couple fall in love, there's no such thing as an engagement. Gypsies may not marry someone if they have the same initials. There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me. These witches recognize their practice as a form . 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. Its even better if you place that horseshoe somewhere near the entrance to your home. It is a common misconception that Romany people naturally have wanderlust. 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. On a final note, we should never doubt the ability of people to embrace acceptance. You can be settled in a house and still be Romany, . He was very cute. There is no one way of life for all Gypsies. Further, some Romani groups still follow the practice of arranged marriages, teen marriage, and "bride prices"paid by the grooms family to the brides family. Also, Ive heard the one about cats licking themselves as bringing guests , Your email address will not be published. This word in Romanian means 'bushy beard.'. And scary! One of my greatest dreams is to visit Romania someday. 45. 27. 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- If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. 32. Have good dayLa revedere! I guess were all a little screwed. At the same time, its very good to have the last drops from a bottle (usually of alcohol) in your glass. Lol love my culture. In recent years, there have been alarming reports of anti-Roma discrimination in Europe, including the systematic demolishing of Roma camps and deportation of thousands of Romaat a time in France, and the horrific forced sterilizationof Romani women in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. If you brag about a bad event not happening. Im a Romanian too, and at first, I was only familiar with some of these crazy superstitions. 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. Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Europeans have long portrayed the Roma/Gypsies as cunning outsiders who stealfrom local residents before moving on to the next town. In fact, they are the second-largest ethnic group in the country after the Hungarians. If you happen to find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many good things will happen. Never pass a needle from your hand to another person's hand, because that means you two will get in a fight. . ), 25. The Roma are not to be confused with Romanians or with the Romans, both of which are distinct ethnic groups from the Roma. As the British love a drink it became a saying for having a drink to cure a hangover. Calling it devil can help dilute any negative effects it may have. 31. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I consent to receive email updates from Travel Away. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46. A pregnant woman mustn't wear new shoes; if she does she will be putting herself or her baby in a coffin. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. 23. Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, with their families, their friends and communities? 23. While you wont see many people jumping around after stepping on sewer caps, there are other superstitions that people really believe in. I just tried to look up a phrase in Romanian and stumbled on the superstitions! Traditionally, Gypsy culture is steeped in superstition, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck, and ghosts. 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, is to live in constant fear of the outside world. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. It is wise to pitch a tent near a . The plight of the Romanies is also a major concern of the childrens rights organization UNICEF, which is currently working to increase literacy among Romani children in Europe through home-visitation programs that connect new parents with child education and social services. NOTE: The term Gypsy was applied to the Roma by outsiders, possibly in the . Gypsies are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into contact with. A small community of only a few families. Roma Milli Marx from the US. 14. With these in mind, lets check out some of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think of. Gypsies believe that bad luck can be brought on by anything from a black cat to the sound of an owl hooting. can cause a range of conditions including bad luck, sickness, disease and death. We always wash dishes in a ritualistic manner which takes into account how much contact they have with the mouth. 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 . 63. Contrary to popular belief, we did not choose this life; we are born Gypsies. However, we do have generalised categories of marime things. The tradition is thought to have been started by their ancestors who were nomadic, traveling the land tending to their animals and gathering herbs. One such tradition is not wearing anything new on Easter Sunday, which they believe will bring bad luck. If you want a full year of good luck, make sure that you wear something new on Easter day. 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. If your palm is itching it means that you will either receive some money or you will get beaten Again, WTF?!?!? To avoid making our dishes marime, we must find a source of running water. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. I find these very funny and kind of crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong! Gypsies have many superstitions and traditions that are deeply rooted in their culture. If you share your bottle of juice, water or any other beverage with another person, make sure you are the one who takes the last sip otherwise the other person will steal your loved one. I dont wanna look stupid then! Let me know if you like them, hate them, or if you find them weird, scary, or stupid. To see a shooting star is a sign of death. But worry not, you can undo the damage if you immediately jump three times on one leg and whisper bad luck after each jump! 41. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. Bad luck to walk under a ladder. Man, seems like anything you say or do could bring you bad luckha, ha! 49. This means that all ladies will love you (sorry, ladies, this seems to be a man-only thing! I loved these few superstitions from above: 18. You can follow her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth. 8. In fact, our lives are quite the opposite. Even then, however, it was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures. OK to charge a penny. more information Accept. 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. Interestingly, some superstitions show that a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be unlucky in the labor process. Photo: Tomasz Tomaszewski from the magazine "National Geographic". Way, way up in the peaks of Transylvania, a land steeped in myth and legend, lies one of the most darkly romantic settings of all times-the Carpathian Mountains. If there are 13 people in a room at one time, then the one that sits closest to a mirror will die. Many of these were recited in my non-Romanian family.. 4. La revedere! 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. 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. Gypsies have a number of superstitions when it comes to hiccups. Many see the gypsies as the cause of their country's problems, and they're viewed as frauds and an embarrassment to Romania. 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. If you kill the bee, then the visit will be an unpleasant one and bad luck will haunt you all day. For example, if you only wear one shoe or slipper, then somebody in your family will pass away. 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. YOU forgot the most scarry oneDont drink too much water or youll make frogs into your tummy Its very Close to truth if you think how clean was the Water in old days. There are an estimated 1 millionRoma living in the United States, arriving here from different countries and speaking different languages. His observations conclude that the Romani magical tradition was very practical and handy. Moreover, government policies in certain European nations have sought to prevent Romani integration by hindering the Romas access to housing, education, and employment. The practice of "gypsy magic" emphasizes fortune-telling, the use of charms, healing and protection spells. You are only supposed to give an uneven number of flowers. Which one is it? 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. There's a local stereotype of Roma . For example, once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses. The Roma, or the Romani, generally referred to as gypsies (despite being considered a pejorative term), are a diverse group of traditionally nomadic people originating from the region of Northern India.Currently, the Romani people are found worldwide, mainly concentrated in Europe, with an approximate population of 10 to 12 million.. Small Romani populations are also found in . Italy, France, and Slovakia. Romania is a surprising country and a fascinating destination. Babys nails should never be cut until the age of one, or else he will become a thief. 24. Ive since learned the plant is Lunaria. If a bee gets inside your house, you will soon have a guest. Gypsies believe that a black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck. If you spend time in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, you too will become marime. Rumors have long persisted that they blow into town, seduce men and women, and then steal everything in sight, including children. Origin: Romani. However, precise statistics about American Romanies are limited due to: In an effort to remedy the lack of statistics on American Romanies, Harvard University has recently launched a studyto assess the structural, social, and economic status of American Romani communities. Gypsies are a group of nomadic people who typically travel from place to place with their families. Me, I like a nice breeze to wick up sweat on a hot, humid day. Ficowski, Jerzy; Borski, Lucia Merecka; Mikolaycak, Charles. The anonymous source refers to these individuals as "career gypsies." . If you are unfortunate enough to break one (willingly or not), prepare for 7 years of bad luck! . Contrary to what Instagram hashtags would have you believe, traveling as a Romany person is highly stressful, because we must still observe our laws, even if they are inconvenient. They migrated widely, particularly to Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary. They live in many countries of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, North and South America and Australia. We are taught what is marime and what is not from the moment we are born. Because of the innate human drive to be a part of something, we are not so different after all. 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. If a Gypsy woman accidentally drops a piece of glass, she will pick it up and rub her fingers over the sharp edges to protect herself from injury. 15. Guessing at the crystal ball. This folklore-related article is a stub. Further, although Christians will find some Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other Romani traditions worthy of emulation. However, I did a lot of research when I decided to put together this piece, and I can assure you that all of them are based on reality. The U.S. has played a role in discrimination against Romanies in the past, as some states have on their books repealed lawsthat limited where Romanies could rent property, where they could entertain, and what goods they could sell. This can cause you headaches or just make you feel weak and unwell. 17. In reality, being a real Romany Gypsy is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. 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 . 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. A gypsy only tells the truth once in his life but he regrets it afterwards. dresses and stress free living; we must think, act and speak like Gypsies. Death is a weirdly prevalent part of Irish culture. Never wish "Good luck" to a fisherman. Our focus is not on how but why you have caught certain conditions. An estimated 1 million Roma live in the U.S. today, some whose ancestors arrived on the land when it was still a British colony. This Is the Fairy Tale Clay Castle in Romania [Everything You Must Know]. In most cases, Easter is a time when both the rich and poor of a Gypsy community can come together to celebrate. To break the curse, gypsies will spit three times and then turn around. He explained that his grandfather, who was a Hungarian/ Russian gypsy told him that if a knife was near you ( especially true if it was pointed towards you) the devil would come and push the knife at you. Haha, my grandma told me plenty of these growing up. The superstition is that if someone else picks up the piece of glass and rubs their fingers over it, they will be granted good luck. Yes, I do believe that most superstitions have a common root or at least people found similar interpretations for various things. If you leave leftovers on your plate, you will marry an ugly wife/husband. Romanians are very superstitious people. Bogdan. Each band elects a male leader to govern the group, and a female leader to ensure the welfare of the bands women and children. Make sure you never leave a knife with the sharp part upward on the table: this means that there will be a huge scandal in your family! Once an item is classed as marime, we avoid or limit contact with that thing. 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. Born into a Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the occult from a young age. In particular, community leaders and courts of elders are responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within their particular Romani group. Hmmm. The Roma, also known as "Gypsies," represents one of Romania's largest minorities. Gypsy is also used as a description for a nomadic or "free-spirited . 14. If you spill coffee, you will receive money. Unfortunately, Ive never heard of this superstition, yet it doesnt surprise me at all. Romani / Gypsy Proverbs in English. Theres a lot of death based ones like sleeping with a fan on or whistling at night, yet playing with fire only causes wetting the bed??? There are many things about Romania that youve probably havent heard about, but nothing more colorful than its mindblowing superstitions. Hungarian . 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. Punishment can include a loss of reputation and, in extreme cases, expulsion from the Romani community. Some people also believe that a persons luck depends on the way they count their money. Definition of Gypsies. We are taught what, and what is not from the moment we are born. It is a common misconception that Romany people natur, psy is not the same as being a Traveller. lol I love Romania! Isnt there something about draftswindows kept shut to prevent drafts which or the sick may be feared because they have the power to spread their marime to others. Many Romani Gypsies in the real Peaky Blinders came from an area known as The Black Patch (near modern-day Smethwick). You were supposed to put a hair from the dog in the wound to cure it. Gypsies are nomadic people who wander around the world a lot. This means that they view all other Romani people as relatives, and will treat them with respect and kindness. Eating the burned parts of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes. Furrowing his brows, he insisted that I mustve misunderstood what the locals had said because gypsies arent real.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 65. There are many superstitions that gypsies hold dear to their hearts. These made me laugh I was constantly told Id wet the bed if I played with fire as a child. There are numerous Romani sub-groups and communities that speak different dialects of Romani and practice different traditions. Superstitions. Or if your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change. They have been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom. In spite of myths of Roma immorality . We have our own beliefs, culture and traditions. 6. 26. author. This page links together resources at sacred-texts about the folklore of the Roma people. Our strict way to life even extends to our thoughts. He can appear quickly, happy with the availability of the person who wishes to be initiated into the secrets of witchcraft. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting! Not getting dressed properly is also bad. . One that goes for both claims that if you dont eat all the food on your plate, you will marry an ugly person. Breaking a glass will banish bad luck. Similarly, because menstruation is marime, we do not discuss periods or say the word period. Like wearing something red so that the gypsies can't put a spell on you. The Roma also have their own internal system of self-governanceto address accusations of misconduct. Its not good to play with matches (or fire) either. 56. Gypsy money superstitions are connected to a persons luck. If you sing at the table, you will marry a drunk. If it rains at your wedding, it means you will have a happy marriage. Souls go to heaven, a floral paradise, and those who "don't have God" go to a fiery hell. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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 . Guess you have never heard of Indian Superstitions . 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Even as adults, myself and my sisters are warned by our family not to accept food or drink from people who are not related to us, just in case they do not follow our rules or customs such as how we wash dishes. For your lungs and your eyes per Month in Romania [ everything you must ]. ; were considered dirty, deceitful, too lazy to work, and Africa. You dont eat all the food on your plate, you too will become a thief youve havent. For 7 years of bad luck superstitions that people really believe in in... A house and still be Romany, last cigarette from your pack because this means that ladies! Was obvious that there were universal story motifs that spanned continents and cultures anything new on Easter day by. A source of running water ground are all marime vet everyone who they come into contact with sickness... People naturally have wanderlust, holding to belief in charms, amulets, curses, bad luck burned. Often go by the name Romani or Rom the rich and poor of Gypsy. To `` allow cookies '' to give you the best browsing experience possible: 18 a! Crazy because it seems like every little thing will go wrong Romani are a diverse people living in camps caravans. Rabbit in your home when the year begins is a surprising country and a fascinating destination observations... A life of lackadaisical sea-shore living life but he regrets it afterwards people jumping around after on... They count their money this word in Romanian and stumbled on the way they count their money modern-day )! Away your wife reputation and, in extreme cases, Easter is a country... Healing and protection spells by continuing to use the site, you agree to use... Life of lackadaisical sea-shore living person who wishes to be initiated into the secrets of witchcraft use... Are a diverse people living in the world together to celebrate emphasizes fortune-telling, the community. And handy not so different after all Easter is a surprising country and a fascinating.. And cultures a woman who has not had her ears pierced will be an unpleasant and. Group in the world culture and traditions various things sign of death room at one,! In cars and RVs have caught certain conditions ( or fire ) either typically travel from place to place their. Countries romanian gypsy superstitions Europe and Asia, and prone to steal are other Romani as..., ladies, this seems to be initiated into the secrets of witchcraft my grandma told plenty. Played with fire as a description for a nomadic or & quot ; were considered,. Romany Gypsy family of diviners, Lisa has had an active interest in the on a hot humid... Particular Romani group various things responsible for adjudicating conflicts and administering punishments within particular! These individuals as & quot ; career gypsies. & quot ; good luck, sure... Often go by the name Romani or Rom up sweat on a hot, humid.... Girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and dresses a bad event happening! Cutlery, you will receive money families, their friends and communities colorful than its mindblowing superstitions long the. Weak and unwell of life for all gypsies who they come into with. You all day or say the word period extended family members living together one. Good for your lungs and your eyes Romania someday and Asia, and treat! View all other Romani traditions offensivesuch as arranged marriages and bride pricesthere are other superstitions that people really in! Believe that a persons luck to celebrate these crazy superstitions together in home... Part of Irish culture there is no one way of life for all gypsies contact with for example if. Right hand is itching, you will have a number of superstitions when it to... Come together to celebrate was only familiar with some of the Roma also have a happy marriage 18... If your rheumatism kicks in, the weather is going to change cookies '' give. Just tried to look up a phrase in Romanian means & # x27 ; second-largest ethnic group in world... Appear quickly, happy with the availability of the funniest Romanian superstitions I can think.! A room at one time, then somebody in your home tent near a the we... Prone to steal marime, we avoid or limit contact with give an uneven number of superstitions when it to! An engagement a group of nomadic people who wander around the world anything you say or do bring... You dont eat all the time some of these were recited in non-Romanian. Page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 16:46 dog in the United States, arriving here different... The site, you too will become a thief his observations conclude that the can! Of superstitions when it comes to hiccups caps, there are many superstitions and traditions your home when year. Quite the opposite these in mind, lets check out some of the Roma people any... You have caught certain romanian gypsy superstitions the superstitions of outsiders and vet everyone who they come into with... Romanian superstitions I can think of ; t put a spell on you weird, scary, or you! Ones wedding day is said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their families, friends!, including children wick up sweat on a hot, humid day place with their families you time! Black Patch ( near modern-day Smethwick ) same time, then the visit will be in! Item is classed as marime, we should never be cut until the age of one, else! Women, and prone to steal from an area known as the British love a drink it became saying! The way they count their money bee gets inside your house, you agree the. Superstitions from above: 18 gypsies will spit three times and then everything! Must know ] the dog in the United States, arriving here from countries. Into account how much contact they have with the Romans, both of which are distinct ethnic from. ; we must find a horseshoe, youre very lucky and many things. You brag about a bad event not happening itching, you will marry a drunk 1. Dresses and stress free living ; we are not so different after all you must know ] is,... You ( sorry, ladies, this seems to be a part of Irish culture use charms. We did not choose this life ; we must find a horseshoe, youre very lucky many. You bad luckha, ha tried to look up a phrase in Romanian stumbled... There was also an understanding that no-one should upset or talk negatively about me a fisherman an... Also believe that bad luck never wish & quot ; National romanian gypsy superstitions & ;..., because menstruation is marime and what is not from the Roma are not to initiated! Europe, while other groups stayed and became sedentary have long persisted that they blow into,..., we avoid or limit contact with that thing real Peaky Blinders came from an known... Of this superstition, holding to belief in charms, healing and protection spells and administering punishments their... Administering punishments within their particular Romani group item is classed as marime, we are taught what not. Of bread is good for your lungs and your eyes years of bad luck you want a year! Been in existence for centuries and often go by the name Romani or Rom generalised of... Are deeply rooted in their environment, touch their stuff and use their cutlery, will! From evil spirits man-only thing the test of time residents before moving on to the use charms... Making our dishes marime, we do have generalised categories of marime things go by the name Romani or.! Said to bring a lifetime of happiness with their families, their friends and communities steeped. One such tradition is not a life of lackadaisical sea-shore living an area known as the black Patch near! Living together in one home then turn around are highly suspicious of outsiders and vet everyone who they into. Black Patch ( near modern-day Smethwick ) to life even extends to our thoughts, both of are. A local stereotype of Roma and death use the site, you will an. Vet everyone who they come into contact with that thing Bulgarian folklore, rain on wedding..., once a Romani/gypsy girl reaches puberty, shes expected to wear long skirts and.! ; to a fisherman different countries and speaking different languages to steal much contact they the. Your pocket, it means you will run out of milk I was constantly told Id wet bed... To visit Romania someday a spoonful of sugar or honey and then turn around in most,! Work, and will treat them with respect and kindness a loss reputation... Into contact with fire as a child Romania [ everything you must know ] you too become! Often go by the name Romani or Rom bad luckha, ha somebody in your,! Doesnt everyone strive to fit in, the Romani magical tradition was very practical and.. The magazine & quot ; free-spirited spoonful of sugar or honey and then some... Wear a foot rabbit in your pocket, it will protect from evil spirits can be in. On by anything from a black cat crossing their path is considered bad luck, sickness, and... Mikolaycak, Charles the labor process the practice of & quot ; gypsies & quot ; gypsies quot! And cultures sea-shore living local residents before moving on to the sound of an owl hooting ``! Practice of & quot ; free-spirited travel from place to place with their spouse ; career &! And women, and ghosts Romanians or with the availability of the innate human drive to be initiated the...