Romany Information
Ian | 26.08.2004 16:09
There have been two recent postings which have attempted to link true Romany with so called Travellers. We are not the same group. For those who are not aware of the rich cultural history of the Romany people some information below is listed.
The true Romany people take pride in being accepted by the communities we visit, we never leave rubbish, we don't steal and we never stay on land unless invited to do so.
The true Romany people take pride in being accepted by the communities we visit, we never leave rubbish, we don't steal and we never stay on land unless invited to do so.
Romany
Although better known as "gypsies" this people group speaks a language known as Romani, which is based on ancient Sanskrit, and is still related to other languages of their original homeland of northern India.
The correct term for this ethno-linguistic group is Romany.
The Romany began migrating north and west from what is now Pakistan around the 10th century. This dark Caucasoid people continued its repeated migrations, reaching Persia by the 11th century; southeast Europe by the 15th century; and North America, South America and Australia by the 20th century.
Although they are spread throughout the world and belong to a variety of tribes, the gypsies still cling to their Romany language and culture. Many maintain their heritage by their outstanding characteristics of steadfastness, creativity, self-consciousness and love for freedom. There is a strong sense of group solidarity and exclusiveness, keeping the Gypsy traditions sacred.
They were persecuted from the beginning. The Ottoman Empire used them as slaves. During World War II, the Nazis exterminated a half-million Romany people as undesirable aliens. Many European countries exported them. Even the church was hostile to them because they practiced magic.
Today, there is an alarming trend of violence and discrimination against the Romany people in Central and Eastern Europe. From citizenship restrictions to mob violence, the gypsies continue to be a scapegoat minority.
Nomads no more
The nomadic or semi-nomadic culture of the Romanies is slowly giving way In the past, the Romanies migrated along patterned routes which usually ignored national boundaries, using familial contacts and links.
Even those who have settled continue to live on the fringes of society, still considered outcasts. Many pursue what are considered traditional occupations for gypsies, working as musicians, acrobats, fair and circus artists, horse riders and traders, fortune-tellers, peddlers and craftsmen.
High unemployment, illiteracy and death rates are common among the Romany, who are often the poorest of the poor.
Population: +\- 30 million to 40 million (estimates vary a great deal, because many Romany are not counted in any census.)
Religion: Tend to adopt predominant religion where they live
Language: Romani; languages of countries live in
Geographical location/s: India (23.5 million); large concentrations in the Balkans, central Europe, Russia and other former republics of the USSR; smaller numbers in Western Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Americas.
Although better known as "gypsies" this people group speaks a language known as Romani, which is based on ancient Sanskrit, and is still related to other languages of their original homeland of northern India.
The correct term for this ethno-linguistic group is Romany.
The Romany began migrating north and west from what is now Pakistan around the 10th century. This dark Caucasoid people continued its repeated migrations, reaching Persia by the 11th century; southeast Europe by the 15th century; and North America, South America and Australia by the 20th century.
Although they are spread throughout the world and belong to a variety of tribes, the gypsies still cling to their Romany language and culture. Many maintain their heritage by their outstanding characteristics of steadfastness, creativity, self-consciousness and love for freedom. There is a strong sense of group solidarity and exclusiveness, keeping the Gypsy traditions sacred.
They were persecuted from the beginning. The Ottoman Empire used them as slaves. During World War II, the Nazis exterminated a half-million Romany people as undesirable aliens. Many European countries exported them. Even the church was hostile to them because they practiced magic.
Today, there is an alarming trend of violence and discrimination against the Romany people in Central and Eastern Europe. From citizenship restrictions to mob violence, the gypsies continue to be a scapegoat minority.
Nomads no more
The nomadic or semi-nomadic culture of the Romanies is slowly giving way In the past, the Romanies migrated along patterned routes which usually ignored national boundaries, using familial contacts and links.
Even those who have settled continue to live on the fringes of society, still considered outcasts. Many pursue what are considered traditional occupations for gypsies, working as musicians, acrobats, fair and circus artists, horse riders and traders, fortune-tellers, peddlers and craftsmen.
High unemployment, illiteracy and death rates are common among the Romany, who are often the poorest of the poor.
Population: +\- 30 million to 40 million (estimates vary a great deal, because many Romany are not counted in any census.)
Religion: Tend to adopt predominant religion where they live
Language: Romani; languages of countries live in
Geographical location/s: India (23.5 million); large concentrations in the Balkans, central Europe, Russia and other former republics of the USSR; smaller numbers in Western Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Americas.
Ian