The word gypsy is used to define a race from the Indian subcontinent that spread throughout the world for quite some time. At present they represent the largest racial minority distributed throughout Europe, as well as in other nations of the world such as Argentina, the United States, or Colombia. One of the main characteristics of gypsies is that they are wanderers.
The term gypsy dates from the 15th century and descends from the word “Egyptian”, when it was mistakenly thought that gypsies were descended from Egyptians. However, for sure, the origin of the gypsy people is not entirely clear, since the gypsy community has been very carefree in relation to its history, so they have not kept in writing everything that has to do with their place originally.
The largest number of gypsies is located in Romania, where they represent 10.33% of the population. Its official dialect is Romani. Its norms are based on verbal traditions; It is up to the patriarchs to apply them. By tradition, gypsy families are generally numerous, it is common for couples to marry very young. In gypsy marriages, the woman's virginity is extremely important.
Before the gypsy marriage is carried out, the man who wishes to marry must request the hand of the bride from her family and that is when they are formally engaged and can go out together.
Regarding religion, gypsies tend to adopt the religion of the place where they live, which is why there are Catholic or evangelical Christian gypsies, Muslims and Orthodox. Another of the characteristics of gypsies is their music and dance, many believe that their music comes from India, Turkey, Greece; although at present the most popular musical style is flamenco.
When a gypsy dies, he is buried with his clothes and jewels; the relatives dress in black and hold banquets in honor of the deceased.
Finally, Roma are a community that has been recognized by Unesco as a people, in 1982, after being adopted on 8 April (during the first congress held to level world of Gypsies) its flag and its own anthem.
