As such, many 'were livestock traders, animal trainers and exhibitors, tinkers (metalsmiths and utensil repairmen), and musicians the women told fortunes, sold potions, begged and worked as entertainers.' Such mistaken beliefs are predicated on the jobs the Romani obtained during their constant travels.Īs nomads, their work needed to be able to move with them, or be easily left behind. Loosely, the term describes a traveler of exotic origins, believed to have tricks up his/her sleeves and magical charms at the tips of his/her fingers.

The term 'gypsy' has become synonymous with the Romani people in many regions. The inability to definitively nail down specifics also likely influenced the cultural stereotype of Romani “gypsies” that remains prevalent today.įirst arrival of gypsies outside the city of Berne, described as 'getoufte heiden' (baptized heathens). Census records are only so reliable when counting (or discounting) traveling ethnic groups.įor example, the prevalence of Romani people in Persia and Europe in the 11th and 15th centuries respectively can be predicated as a dramatic increase in Romani populations but specific numbers both then and now remain mere ballpark figures. ( Public Domain )Ĭonsistently a nomadic culture, the precise population number in each country over the centuries is nearly impossible to obtain. ‘The Caravans - Gypsy Camp near Arles’ by Vincent van Gogh. Therefore, there are likely groups of travelers distinguished from the collective 'Romani' title by their Persian/Iranian customs, or Italian customs, or Romanian customs, depending on migration choices. The Romani seem to have migrated from northern India to Persia in the 11th century from there moving into and populating Europe by the 1400's. Just as all Native Americans, for instance, are Native American but no two tribes are exactly alike. Influenced by their various movements, the collective 'Romani' have become individualized groups among themselves. This likely origin point should not, however, imply that all Romani people are alike as in every culture, there are definitive distinctions recognized among the Romani.

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Ronald Lee’s research suggests that North-Central India is their original homeland, although today many dwell in Europe-Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe in particular- linguistic and genetic specialists are able to point rather confidently to Indian Romani origins. Recent scholarship has shown the Romani culture has Indian roots.

So who are the Romani people? From where did they originate, and where have they been? ‘Spanish Gypsies.’ Source: Public Domain From “Romani People” to “Gypsy” However, the migratory history of the Romani, their cultural persecutions, their native traditions, and their unbreakable familial bonds are likely why they remain so interesting to outsiders today. The Romani are often painted as thieves and tricksters, in particular because of their nomadic lifestyle and their unorthodox practices in the eyes of the Christian Church during their early migrations. Appears in 'Victor Hugo and His Time' by Alfred Barbou. Illustration for Notre Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo. Because of such images spread by mass media's misunderstandings of the Romani, it is often believed that the Romani people are to be feared or exiled and avoided. Colloquially, and rather insultingly, known as 'gypsies', the history and culture of the Romani people is surrounded by stereotypes and misnomers, none more damningly pervasive than Esméralda from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Quirky gpsy heroins romane