-
-
-
-
-
|
- THE ILLUSIVE GYPSIES
or (Romani)
-
-
- HISTORY
-
- Roma, commonly
known as Gypsies, a traditionally nomadic people found throughout
the world. While the term gypsy is often attached to anyone leading
a nomadic life, the Gypsies share a common biological, cultural,
and linguistic heritage that sets them apart as a genuine ethnic
group.
-
- When they first
arrived in Europe over 500 years ago, the Gypsy were called Gypsies
in the mistaken belief that they had come from Egypt. The true
origins of the Gypsy remained a mystery until the late 18th century,
when European linguists discovered connections between the Romani
language and certain dialects spoken in northwestern India. More
recent linguistic and historical studies have confirmed that
the Gypsy originated in India.
-
- GYPSY CHARACTER
-
- From the days
of Zorro until shortly before World War II, it would not be uncommon
in Europe, or in parts of California, to find a secluded spot
not far from a road where a Gypsy family or tribe had pitched
their camp. You could expect to hear the strains of a soaring
violin, and spy the curved, wooden-roofed, and gaily painted
covered wagon, with a silken tent beside it. The exotic visage
would not be complete unless a raven trussed young beauty, with
coal black eyes dressed in vibrant colors, gazed elusively back
at you as she cooked the family supper over an open fire. What
man wouldn't be captivated by such a creature, with golden bangles
in her hair, dangling around her throat, and from her ears, her
shoulders swathed in a fringed shawl of striking and contrasting
colors. Close to her side would be a handsome, dark, and lithe
young man, and the camp would be full of children running and
playing, as the aged and withered crones appeared from the wagons
to whisk them away from the eyes of strangers.
-
- Gypsies or the
Romani people, are known for their great and fierce love for
children, which may account for the centuries old legends of
Gypsies stealing children from their cradles in the middle of
the night. There are many legends and old wives tales of this
strange and elusive cultural enclave.
-
- For hundreds
of years, and still to this day, they have lived in the midst
of civilization, urban and rural, from Europe, to Africa, to
Asia, to Australia, to South and North America, pitching their
tents, wagons, and in modern times, trailers. They live amongst
and amidst the cites, yet remain apart and aloof, never belonging
to anyplace, or country, but to themselves.
-
- The first recorded
appearances of Gypsies were found on islands in the Mediterranean
Sea near the Balkan peninsula. As small bands or tribes quickly
spreading throughout Europe, they appeared in Germany in approximately
1417. They had no clear knowledge of their roots. The Europeans
took one look at their exotic ways, and caravan life style, and
believed them to be refugees from Egypt dubbing them Gypsies,
which quickly became the common term, accepted by even them.
-
- Gypsies have
earned a reputation over the centuries for being quick-tempered,
boastful, and generous to their own. Known for living by their
wits, and often accused of pilferage and trickery, they soon
earned the distrust and dislike of many local populations. Often
laws were imposed upon them, which though ultimately modified,
caused severe persecution and distrust. Fond of gaiety and bright
colors, and having unusual concepts of personal property, they
have been both glamorized and vilified, in literature and film,
as well as opera classics such as “Carmen”. The wandering
global nation has always had a low rate of literacy and relied
heavily upon spoken history, and strong cultural heritage.
-
- Historically
they are wonderful musicians, known for fiery fiddles, and the
wild charm of their staccato guitars. Their style of music has
gained world wide popularity, inspiring such great classical
composers as Ravel. More contemporary groups such as "The
Gypsy Kings", have revived the popularity of the wild charm,
and singing wail, of many an old Gypsy folk song or ballad. Gypsy
women are famous for their fortune telling through tarot cards,
tea leaves, palm readings, and gazing deep into crystal balls.
-
- Each group,
or tribe, has its own dialect that will vary from country to
country, yet maintain a basic root vocabulary of the Romani language
to allow them to communicate with each other. Their language
is unlike any other European language, and has been proven to
have its roots, as well as the race of Gypsies themselves, in
India. A gypsy male calls himself "Rom," the man, or
the husband. A female or wife is "Romni," and the language,
"Romani". The trails or paths they travel are called
"patteran".
-
- Whether these
trails be alongside a road, through a forest, across a heather
covered moor, or across the sea,---wherever the sound of violins,
or strummed guitars, or firelights glow,---Gypsies are a constant
source of mystery, mysticism, and passion to us all.
© and all
rights reserved by Robert W. Cabell 1996-2010
site maintained by Get Z'd Productions email rwcabell@aol.com for questions or comments. |
