Where art and life definitely come together

 

The interior of a 1850s Romani horse drawn caravan...can you spot the kettle?

Roma have been in Britain since at least 1515 after migrating from continental Europe during the Roma migration from the Punjab region of northern India.

This minority is made up of distinct groups called "tribes" or "nations." Their language called Romani, is based on Sanskrit (the classical language of India).

As a nomadic people they entered Europe between the eighth and tenth centuries. Europeans originally believed the Roma were from Egypt, hence the origins of the word gypsy. Zigeuner, the German word for Gypsy, derives from a Greek root meaning untouchable. For centuries, Roma were scorned and persecuted across Europe.

Many Roma traditionally worked as craftsmen and were blacksmiths, cobblers, tinsmiths, horse dealers, and toolmakers. Others were performers such as musicians, circus animal trainers, and dancers.

Roma are both Christian and Muslim, having converted during the course of their migrations through Persia, Asia Minor, and the Balkans.

In 1939 there were about 1 million Roma. About half of all European Roma lived in eastern Europe, especially in the Soviet Union and Romania. Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria also had large Romani communities. In Greater Germany there were about 30,000 Roma, most of whom held German citizenship; about 11,200 of this number lived in Austria. Relatively few Roma lived in western Europe.

The Roma may not have their own country but they have their own flag. It was approved by delegates at the First World Ramoni conference held in 1971 in London. The blue and green represents heaven and earth. The wheel with 16 spokes (a chakra) represents the travelling spirit of the Roma. There is also an official Roma anthem, which is called Gelem Gelem (or Djelem Djelem, the translated words by Ron Lee are below:

I have travelled over long roads

have met fortunate Roma

I have travelled far and wide

I have met lucky Roma

Oh, Romani adults, Oh Romani youth

Oh, Romani adults, Oh Romani youth

Oh, Roma, from wherever you have come

With your tents along lucky roads

I too once had a large family

But the black legion murdered them

Come with me, Roma of the world

To where the Romani roads have been opened

Now is the time – stand up, Roma,

We shall succeed where we make the effort

Oh, Roma adults, Oh, Roma youth

Oh, Roma adults, Oh, Roma youth

SOURCE: FB page Great British Tea Party