An Introspective Look at the Romani People and Their Culture

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Recommended: Roman family structure late antiquity

The Romanichal have been in America since the middle of the 17th Century due to persecution and enslavement in Europe. Most countries in Europe had passed anti-Gypsy legislation, which prevented them from doing business or settling down and owning land, this combined with other types of persecution, caused the Romani to flee Europe. (Bokt, RomanyJib, 2014) Most of their traditions are passed down verbally because they are a nomadic people and travelled often, they never wrote books about their history because they had to bring all their possessions with them everywhere they went. (Kiger, 2013) Today, the Romani are trying to start records of their history to be passed down to their ancestors.
Family is very important to the Romani people and there is a very specific hierarchy within the family unit. Once a couple gets married, the woman joins her husband’s family. The husband’s father is the highest authority, followed by his sons and his wife. The newest bride is at the bottom of the hierarchy and is expected to tend to her husband and her in-law’s needs until she has children of her own. (Bokt, RomanyJib, 2013) Children so revere their parents and grandparents that they care for them without question once they are adults. The family home usually consists of several generations living together, with the younger family members providing financial support and any care their older members may need. In turn, the older family members help with the children and provide emotional support for newlyweds. (Kiger, 2013)
When it comes to healthcare, many Romani people shun modern medicine. Their lifestyle and the way they were raised brought them closer to nature and distrustful of governments. Imagine being told that you canno...

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...rch 30, 2014, from Romany Culture and Tradition: http://www.gypsyjib.com/page/Romany+Traditions+%26+Culture
Bokt, K. (2014, February 20). RomanyJib. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from American Romanichals: http://americanromanichals.webeden.co.uk/
Debra Honer RN, C. a. (2004, August 1). Modern Medicine. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from THe enigma of the Gypsy Patient: http://www.modernmedicine.com/modern-medicine/news/enigma-gypsy-patient
Ivanov, I. (2004, December 15). European Roma Rights Centre. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from Reflections on the Access of Roma to Health Care: http://www.errc.org/article/reflections-on-the-access-of-roma-to-health-care/2067
Kiger, P. J. (2013, August 1). National Geographic. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from Romani Culture and Traditions: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/american-gypsies/articles/romani-culture-and-traditions/

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