The first known appearance of the Gypsies was their migration from the wilds of northern India in the tenth century. Splitting up into dozens of bands, they spread across Europe and into the British Isles. Eventually Gypsies lived in almost every country in the world, including the Americas.
Where these mysterious, secretive people originated remains a mystery, although theories abound. Maybe they are descendants of the Egyptian Mother Goddess Isis. Some believe a Gypsy helped forge the nails for Christ's cross, and for this all Gypsies were banished, destined forever to be a people without a homeland. One theory suggests Gypsies are the descendants of survivors of a U.F.O. crash in India's mountains.
Another explanation suggests the Gypsies are refugees tossed ashore by waves when the mighty continent of Atlantis sank to the ocean floor. Lost and afraid in what was then a wild and uncivilized land, they fled to the east finally finding refuge in the uninhabited mountains of India.
Wherever they originated, these people are unusual and fascinating. Acclaimed practitioners of the arcane arts, the gypsies have had a profound influence on folk magic throughout the world. Every phase of their lives is steeped in ritual and magic.
The name Gypsy came from the idea that the Rom came from Egypt. They refer to themselves, however, as Rom or Romany, and the language of the Rom is Romany. At one time they traveled the countryside in colorful horse-drawn caravans. Now they're more likely to travel in mobile homes, travel trailers or campers. Some Rom have opted to finally settle down and ply their trade from their homes or from tea rooms and small side-street shops.
The traveling Rom follow the carnivals and fairs, setting up booths and tents at every stop. Only women predict the future. The Rom call these women Chovikani, and what they do is called dukkering. Elsewhere on the midway, while the women are busy dukkering, the men peddle jewelry, run games of chance, or show off their talents as musicians. They are open to anything that will lure a penny from the pockets of the gorgio or non-gypsy. Rom men are also noted horsemen and skilled in horse dealing.
Some fortune tellers are impostors, taking advantage of the reputation earned by Gypsies as seers. Most, however, are not. They may employ a crystal ball, the palm of a patron's hand, a Tarot spread or the pattern of tea leaves in the bottom of a cup. Using their chosen device, many of these ladies have a gift and some, apparently, can accurately predict things to come.
Not all their knowledge comes from their skill as seers. They are observant people, and can tell a lot from the appearance of their patrons, by asking leading questions, and by information the patron volunteers. Some Gypsies are also gifted mesmerists and, by staring deep into a patron's eyes attempt to catch him in a spell called the glamour. If a gorgio should fall under this spell, the Rom will try to convince him that he is under a curse. The Gypsy will gladly remove this curse for a fee. This may be where the expression "evil eye" originated.
"Cross my palm with silver" is a statement often attributed to the Gypsies. A true Old World Gypsy, however, will never ask for money. It's their belief that telling fortunes for profit clouds the psychic senses and results in a less accurate or a false reading. Her husband or brother, however, standing at the door, is quite willing to request a small gift in payment.
Indeed gipsies were a prosecuted people,some time ago lots of them were taken on paper boats led by the promise the'd earn a large some of money.Luckily,not all of them believed it would have been real.In my area,most of the rromani integrated themselves into the society and became major part of it,although authorities do not recognize it.Most of them learned a profession,continued as much as possible their studies and their children never learned the gispy tradition and folklore.It is su h a shame tradition is almost extinct!
brilliantly written history..... well done. I never charge for readings either as crowned heads are unlucky when given directly, and they do indeed cloud judgement. Gifts are acceptable as is money given to some one else. very accurate.
My grandfather was from Budapest, Hungary and gypsies were also known as Segons. Most of the Hungarian/romanian people that wanted to escape the cold war brought with them their ways of life from the homeland. To this day I will always enjoy a good chardashe and well played gypsy music.
My family were romani fleeing the Cold War as well as far as my ending up in America. My grandmother side is Romanian and my grandfather side is Irish Romani. I always was told gypsy was a slur calling us theives and to use roma/Romani instead. My mama is truly blessed with the sight and so are a few of my aunts while the men in my family are great musicians. I didn’t know it was traditional to be that way until now though.
Awesome summery of our Romani history. I am Romani decent my family hit Ireland in the 1600 and then London early 1800's when the potato famine happened unable to find out much more before then Every second generation of women are powerful seers, my nan was her nan was and so on. So here I am a seer and finally owning my gifts.
