Culture of Romani people

Hey guys! I just watched a series on TLC called ‘My big fat gypsy wedding’ and so I decided to do some research on the topic of Romani people. The Romani people, who are an ethnic group originating in India, live in Europe and America. They are also known as “Gypsies”.  While some of them try to assimilate to the country they live in, others try to keep their culture. Virginity, for instance, is very important for them. In addition to that they often marry very young and have extended families. The Romani girls leave school at a young age and learn how to cook, to wash the dishes and clothes, and how to look after their husband. It is very essential as a married woman to tend to her children’s and husband’s needs. Women have less authority than men, but they gain their respect as they get older. By the time a woman has her first child she starts to gain authority. The social behavior of Romani people is regulated by Hindu purity laws. These laws have some effects on the lives of Romanis. The clothes for the lower body and clothes of menstruating women are washed separately because the genital organs are considered impure due to the emissions they produce. Additionally, the birth of a child is also thought to be impure and for this reason has to happen outside of the house. Thirdly, death is considered impure. Dead people must be buried not cremated. For me it is fascinating that they are still holding on to their traditions.