Romani people

The Romani, also spelled Romany or Rromani, are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group who traditionally lived a nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They originated in the Indian subcontinent, especially in the area now known as Rajasthan. Around the year 1000 CE, they began moving westward, eventually reaching Europe by the 13th or 14th century. Today, most Romani live in Europe, particularly in central, eastern, and southern Europe, with communities also found in western Asia, such as Turkey, and in the Americas.

In English, they are often called Gypsies, a term that many find offensive because of its history as a racial slur. Other names like Tsigani are used in central and eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, but these can also be upsetting to some. The Romani have their own language, which has many words from Persian, Armenian, Greek, and South Slavic languages. Though some Romani speak the main language of their country, many also keep their traditional language alive.

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.

Historically, they were often called "Gypsies," a name that came from a belief that they were from Egypt. Today, some Romani people proudly use this term, while others prefer "Roma" or "Romani." Different regions and languages have their own names for them, reflecting their long and varied history.

Population and subgroups

There is no official count of how many Romani people there are around the world. Many Romani avoid being counted in official records due to fear of unfair treatment.

Estimates suggest there are about 10 million Romani people in Europe, with significant communities in countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Outside of Europe, Romani communities exist in the Americas, where their ancestors migrated from Europe starting in the late 1800s.

Romani people belong to many subgroups based on where they live, their culture, and the languages they speak. Some 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 often 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 findings show that the ancestors of the Romani people came from northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, especially in present-day Punjab and Rajasthan. Because Romani groups did not keep records, most ideas about their early travels are based on language studies.

Linguistic evidence clearly shows that the roots of the Romani language are in present-day India. The language has grammar and basic words that match Indian languages. Romani and Domari share some features, like how they add small words to nouns and how they show past actions. This has led to discussions about the relationship between these two languages.

The Romani migration is supported by several pieces of evidence. Language studies show that Romani has a mix of words from modern Indian dialects and many words related to military life. Genetic studies also support this theory by linking Romani people to specific groups in northern India, such as the Jats and Rajputs. In sounds and sentence structure, Romani shares features with Central Indo-Aryan languages, especially in how some sounds are made. However, it also keeps some older sound groups. In verb forms, Romani follows patterns seen in northwestern languages like Kashmiri and Shina, supporting the idea of their Central Indian origin and later travel to northwestern India.

Ethnic identities conflated with the Roma

The Romani people have often been mistaken for or linked with other ethnic groups throughout history. In 1976, Indian leaders referred to the Roma as part of the global Indian diaspora, suggesting a connection that could help improve their rights and recognition. This idea was discussed again in 2022, highlighting the Roma's desire to be officially recognized as coming from India.

The name "Roma" may come from terms used for Eastern Romans or from a Sanskrit word meaning "drummer." Over time, the Romani have been called many names, including "Gypsies," because people long believed they came from Egypt. Those from Bohemia were called Bohemians, inspiring ideas of a free, artistic lifestyle. The Romani are also sometimes confused with Irish Travellers and the Yenish people, who are separate groups with their own histories and cultures.

History

Main article: History of the Romani people

The Romani people, also known as Roma, are an ethnic group with origins in the Indian subcontinent, particularly the area now known as Rajasthan. They began moving westward around the year 1000 CE, eventually reaching Europe.

Historical records from the 14th century mention Romani groups in the Balkans and later in western Europe. They were often seen as outsiders and faced many challenges, including being expelled from various regions. During World War II, the Romani people suffered greatly under Nazi rule, with many being sent to concentration camps. After the war, some Romani faced unfair policies in several countries.

Society and traditional culture

Main article: Romani society and culture

The Romani people place great importance on their extended families. Traditionally, young men and women marry early, though practices vary across regions. In traditional settings, the oldest male family member holds the most authority. Women typically manage the home and care for children and elders, gaining more respect as they age and have their own families.

Romani people often prefer to live close to nature, historically cooking outdoors and traveling to find resources. Many now live in settled homes, but their connection to the land remains strong. Their social customs, passed down through generations, guide many aspects of daily life, including how they treat their bodies and belongings.

Romani traditions include practices like fortune-telling, which has been a part of their culture for centuries. They have also been 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, known by different names in various Romani groups.

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 think bring good luck, called baxtalo. These foods often have strong, spicy flavors like garlic, lemon, tomato, and peppers. They also enjoy fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles, and sour cream. For some Romani groups, hedgehogs are considered a special treat.

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 in public discussions. Civil society became stronger, helping to support this change. These shifts helped 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, an Indo-Aryan language. They also often 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.

There are no exact numbers, but it's estimated that about 3.5 million people in Europe and 500,000 more worldwide speak Romani, making it the second-largest minority language in Europe after Catalan.

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 without freedom. This practice slowly ended in the mid-1800s.

During World War II, the Romani suffered greatly under Nazi Germany. Many were stripped of their rights and sent to concentration camps. The suffering of the Romani during this time is known as the Porajmos or the Romani Holocaust. Though it is hard to know the exact number, historians estimate that hundreds of thousands of Romani people were killed.

Contemporary issues

Main article: Anti-Romani sentiment § Contemporary antiziganism

In Europe, many Romani people face challenges such as poverty and discrimination. Despite efforts to improve inclusion, anti-Roma feelings still exist today. The European Union works to support better treatment and rights for Romani communities.

Romani children in some areas attend different schools from other children, which can affect their education. Sadly, some Romani groups have faced unfair treatment and even violence in certain places. Many Romani people also struggle with jobs, health care, and basic services like clean water and proper homes. Efforts continue to address these issues and promote equality for all.

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 been shown in many artworks and stories. Artists often depicted them as mysterious fortune tellers or as free-spirited wanderers. From the 1500s, many painters in Venice included Romani characters in their scenes to give them an exotic feel. For example, some paintings show Romani people telling fortunes or living as nomads. Over the centuries, many famous artists have created works featuring Romani themes, showing their lives and traditions in various ways.