How hard it was for roma women to break out of the clichés and prove their uniqueness
Since ancient times, the Roma have been discriminated, marginalized, insulted in the most rude ways. When it comes to the Roma woman, things are even sadder, she being considered at the bottom of society, mocked many times even by her partner. Without studies, without perspectives, Roma women had a lot to face and there were […]
Traditional Roma clothing
Traditional clothing is an important identity element for a community. Vibrant colours, hair braided with golden coins, wide-brimmed hats, big earring and salbe, full skirts and shirts printed with flowers, all of these are specific and easily recognisible elements of the traditional Roma clothing. Traditional clothing is closely linked to the preservation of the […]
Roma community in art
The portrayal of Roma community in art (paintings, literature, theater, opera and later, cinema and TV) is usually influenced by rasism and ignorance. Thus, we speak about how Roma people often appear as negative characters, dangerous, hard to tame, connected to the supernatural and occult world or how they are usually mocked. Today we are […]
Roma from faith to religion
The main religious cults Roma are part of are Christianity and Islam, but a big majority chose to convert to different neo-protestant ones. Thus, the Romas transisioned to cults, such as „The Church of The Burning Stake” and “Hope for Gabori”. From the 1600s, Roma were often accused of criminality, theft and witchcraft. These accusations […]
Roma in communism
Romania in the communist era was for many Roma people hard to bear. They were harassed and secluded from modern cities, then there were efforts made to integrate them into society and the work force, while authorities also “sold” them to neighbouring countries. As always, the Roma adapted and tried to survive these changes the […]
Romas and the occult (Gypsy Magic)
Tarot cards, palm or crystal ball readings, spells and curses are associated by many with the Roma community, holding beliefs and stereotypes about their connection with the occultism. Even if many of Romani rituals and traditions can be considered draped in mysticism, they have rich but misinterpreted history behind. „Roma seeks magic in all […]
Roma and the tradition of craftsmanship
Each object created by a craftman is unique. One hammer hit higher, the other one lower, but never the same. Many Roma communities pride themselves with the craftmanship they have been practicing for generations and are still trying to keep alive in modern times. As long as the Roma coppersmiths continue to exist, coffee in […]