Romani people

The Romani, also spelled Romany or Rromani, are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group who traditionally lived a nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They began in the Indian subcontinent, especially in the area now called Rajasthan. They moved west around the year 1000 CE and reached Europe by the 13th or 14th century. Today, most Romani live in Europe, especially in central, eastern, and southern Europe. You can also find Romani communities in western Asia, like in Turkey, and in the Americas.

In English, they are sometimes called Gypsies. Many Romani people find this word offensive because of its past use as a racial slur. Other names like Tsigani are used in central and eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, but these can also upset some people. The Romani have their own language. It includes words from Persian, Armenian, Greek, and South Slavic languages. While some Romani speak the main language of their country, many still use their traditional language.

Names

Main article: Names of the Romani people

The Romani people have many names. In English, they are often called "Roma" or "Romani." The word "Rom" means "man" in their language, and "Roma" is the plural form. Some Romani groups, like the Sinti or Romanichal, may not use these words to describe themselves.

In the past, they were sometimes called "Gypsies." This name came from a belief that they were from Egypt. Today, some Romani people use this term, while others prefer "Roma" or "Romani." Different places and languages have their own names for them, showing their long history.

Population and subgroups

There is no official count of how many Romani people there are around the world. Many Romani avoid being counted because they fear unfair treatment.

Estimates suggest there are about 10 million Romani people in Europe. Big communities live in countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Outside of Europe, Romani communities are found in the Americas. Their ancestors moved from Europe starting in the late 1800s.

Romani people have many subgroups based on where they live, their culture, and the languages they speak. Well-known subgroups include Sinti in German-speaking countries, Calé in Spain and Portugal, Romanichal in the United Kingdom, and Roma in Romania. Each subgroup has its own name and traditions, but they all share a common heritage and identity as Romani people.

Origin

Main article: History of the Romani people

Genetic studies show that the ancestors of the Romani people came from the Indian subcontinent, especially from areas now called Punjab and Rajasthan. Because Romani groups did not keep written records, most ideas about their early history come from language studies.

The Romani language has roots in India. Its grammar and basic words match those of Indian languages. Romani and Domari share some features, like adding small words to nouns.

Evidence supports the Romani migration. Language studies show Romani includes words from Indian dialects and words related to military life. Genetic studies also link Romani people to groups in northern India, such as the Jats and Rajputs. Romani shares sounds and sentence structures with Central Indo-Aryan languages. It also keeps some older sound groups. In verb forms, Romani follows patterns seen in northwestern languages like Kashmiri and Shina.

Ethnic identities conflated with the Roma

The Romani people have often been mistaken for other ethnic groups. In 1976, Indian leaders called the Roma part of the global Indian diaspora. This idea talked about how the Roma wanted to be officially recognized as coming from India.

The name "Roma" might come from words for Eastern Romans or a Sanskrit word meaning "drummer." The Romani have been called many names, like "Gypsies," because people thought they came from Egypt. Those from Bohemia were called Bohemians. The Romani are sometimes confused with Irish Travellers and the Yenish people, who are different groups with their own cultures.

History

Main article: History of the Romani people

The Romani people, also called Roma, are an ethnic group from the Indian subcontinent, especially the area now called Rajasthan. They started moving west around the year 1000 CE and eventually reached Europe.

Historical records from the 14th century talk about Romani groups in the Balkans and later in western Europe. They were often treated as outsiders and had many difficulties, including being forced to leave some places. During World War II, the Romani people suffered greatly under Nazi rule. After the war, some Romani still faced unfair rules in different countries.

Society and traditional culture

Main article: Romani society and culture

The Romani people care deeply about their families. In the past, young men and women married early, but this varies in different places. The oldest male family member usually has the most authority. Women typically take care of the home and children, earning more respect as they grow older and start their own families.

Romani people often enjoy being near nature. Historically, they cooked outdoors and traveled to find what they needed. Many now live in settled homes, but they still feel a strong connection to the land. Their social customs, passed down through generations, guide many parts of daily life, including how they treat their bodies and belongings.

Romani traditions include practices like fortune-telling, which has been part of their culture for a long time. They are also known for skills in metalworking, music, and animal training. Their history includes traveling to many parts of Europe, adapting to new places while keeping their cultural identity.

Belonging and exclusion

Main articles: Romanipen and Gadjo (non-Romani)

In Romani culture, the concept of Romanipen defines what it means to be Romani, tying together their identity, traditions, and laws. This sense of belonging can include non-Romani who fully adopt Romani ways, often through family ties.

Religion

Romani people practice many religions, mainly Christianity and Islam, depending on where they live. In Eastern Europe, many are Orthodox Christians, while in the Balkans, many are Muslims. Some Romani communities in other regions follow Catholic or Protestant traditions. These religious practices often blend with unique Romani customs, creating a rich mix of beliefs and traditions.

Music

Main article: Romani music

Romani music is famous across Europe, influencing many styles from classical to jazz. Musicians from the Romani community have shaped genres like flamenco in Spain and gypsy jazz. Famous performers include Taraful Haiducilor from Romania and Django Reinhardt from France. Romani music often features lively rhythms and unique instruments, making it a vital part of European cultural heritage.

Folklore

Main article: Romani folklore

Romani folklore includes many interesting stories and beliefs. One popular tale is about a hero named Mundro Salaman.

Some Romani people have traditional beliefs about special beings. For example, they may talk about the mulo, which is like a dead person coming back, and some groups believe in shape-shifting creatures called werewolves. These ideas appear in films such as the 1941 movie The Wolf Man and its 2010 remake.

Cuisine

Main article: Romani cuisine

Romani people have special foods they believe bring good luck, called baxtalo. These foods often taste strong and spicy, with flavors like garlic, lemon, tomato, and peppers. They also enjoy fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, and sour cream.

Contemporary art and culture

Romani contemporary art grew strongly in Central and Eastern Europe in the late 1980s. This happened during a big change in how people thought about minority cultures, called the "cultural turn". During this time, ideas about cultural democracy became more important. Civil society became stronger, helping Romani artists share their cultures and ideas more freely.

Language

Main article: Romani language

Most Roma speak one of several dialects of the Romani language, which is an Indo-Aryan language. They also speak the languages of the countries they live in, borrowing words and phrases when needed. For example, the Ciganos of Portugal, the Gitanos of Spain, the Romanichal of Great Britain, and the Romanisael of Sweden and Norway speak mixed languages like Caló, Angloromani, and Scandoromani.

Persecutions

See also: Anti-Romani sentiment

The Romani people have faced many hardships throughout history. One major hardship was enslavement, especially in areas that are now Romania. From the 13th to the 19th century, many Romani were treated as property and forced to work.

During World War II, the Romani suffered greatly under Nazi Germany. Many lost their rights and were sent to special camps. This painful time is called the Porajmos or the Romani Holocaust.

Contemporary issues

Main article: Anti-Romani sentiment § Contemporary antiziganism

In Europe, many Romani people face challenges like poverty and unfair treatment. Even though there are efforts to help include everyone, some people still have negative feelings toward Romani communities. The European Union tries to support better rights and treatment for Romani people.

In some places, Romani children go to different schools than other children, which can make their education harder. Sadly, some Romani groups have faced unfair treatment and violence in certain areas. Many Romani people also have trouble finding jobs, getting health care, and having access to basic services like clean water and proper homes. Work continues to address these problems and help make things fairer for everyone.

Organizations and projects

Several organizations and projects help support the Romani people around the world. The World Romani Congress brings together leaders from Romani communities. The European Roma Rights Centre works to protect the rights of Romani people in Europe. Other groups include the Gypsy Lore Society, which studies Romani culture, and the International Romani Union, which promotes Romani interests globally.

There are also special events and initiatives, such as the Decade of Roma Inclusion, a multinational effort to improve Romani lives, and International Romani Day celebrated each year on April 8. Some countries have their own groups, like Finland's National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs. Additionally, there is a Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues to address specific concerns.

Artistic representations

The Romani people have appeared in many artworks and stories. Artists often showed them as mysterious fortune tellers or free-spirited wanderers. Starting in the 1500s, many painters in Venice included Romani characters in their scenes to make them seem exciting. For example, some paintings show Romani people telling fortunes or living as nomads. Over time, many famous artists have made works with Romani themes, showing their lives and traditions in different ways.