The Romani people, often referred to as “Roma,” are a traditionally itinerant ethnic group whose origins trace back to the Indian subcontinent, specifically to the region of Rajasthan. This connection is supported by linguistic evidence showing that the Romani language, Romani Chib, shares significant similarities with Sanskrit and modern Indo-Aryan languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, and Punjabi. The Roma began their migration around the 11th century, gradually moving westward across Central Asia, the Middle East, and into Europe. Today, the Romani population is estimated to be around 12-15 million worldwide, with the largest populations in Europe, particularly in Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, and Hungary.
Throughout their history, the Romani people have been subjected to discrimination, forced assimilation, and persecution, including enslavement in Romania until the mid-19th century and the horrors of the Holocaust, where an estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million Roma were killed. Despite these challenges, the Romani people have retained a rich cultural heritage, of which their mythology is a crucial part. Romani mythology, preserved primarily through oral traditions, offers a unique lens into the values, fears, and aspirations of a people who have often been marginalized and misunderstood.
Romani mythology is a complex and multifaceted tradition that reflects the diverse experiences and interactions the Romani have had with other cultures. This mythology is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, as well as their deep connection to spirituality and the natural world. Understanding Romani mythology is essential for appreciating the cultural diversity of Europe and the broader world and for challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that have long plagued this community.
Origins and Evolution of Romani Mythology
Indian Roots and Cultural Synthesis
Romani mythology’s origins can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where their ancestors lived over a thousand years ago. Linguistic evidence indicates that the Romani language is closely related to several Indo-Aryan languages, and many elements of Romani culture, including their mythology, bear similarities to those found in India. For example, the concept of the mullo (a malevolent spirit or vampire) in Romani mythology is similar to the Indian belief in bhutas or prets, spirits of the dead who can harm the living if they are not properly appeased.
As the Romani migrated westward, they encountered and absorbed elements from various cultures, leading to a rich synthesis of traditions. In Persia, for example, they may have encountered the Zoroastrian concept of dualism, which influenced their beliefs in the constant struggle between good and evil forces. In the Byzantine Empire, they would have been exposed to Christian and Greco-Roman mythologies, which introduced new deities, spirits, and supernatural beings into their own mythology.
This process of cultural synthesis continued as the Romani moved into Europe. In Eastern Europe, they adopted and adapted Slavic folklore, including the belief in vampires and werewolves, while in Western Europe, they incorporated elements of Celtic and Germanic mythology, such as the belief in fairies and household spirits. This ability to absorb and adapt elements from other cultures is a testament to the Romani people’s resilience and flexibility, allowing their mythology to remain dynamic and relevant across centuries and continents.
Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Unlike many other cultures, the Romani have historically relied on oral storytelling to preserve their myths, legends, and religious beliefs. This oral tradition has been crucial for maintaining their cultural identity, particularly given the persecution and marginalization they have faced throughout history. For example, during the Holocaust, many Romani communities were decimated, and their cultural practices were nearly wiped out. However, because their mythology was preserved orally, it survived, passed down through generations even in the face of such immense tragedy.
Oral tradition has also allowed Romani mythology to be highly adaptable. As the Romani people moved from one region to another, their stories and myths evolved to reflect the new environments and cultural influences they encountered. This adaptability is seen in the different versions of the same myth found in various Romani communities. For example, the story of Baba Fingo, a savior figure who protects the Romani from harm, can be found in different forms across Europe, each version reflecting the local culture and beliefs of the community where it is told.
The reliance on oral tradition has also meant that Romani mythology is not a fixed or static tradition but a living, evolving body of knowledge that continues to grow and change. This fluidity is a key characteristic of Romani mythology, making it a unique and dynamic cultural tradition.
Key Themes in Romani Mythology
Freedom and Mobility
One of the most prominent themes in Romani mythology is the idea of freedom and mobility. The Romani people have long been associated with a nomadic lifestyle, and their myths often reflect a deep connection to the open road and the natural world. This theme is evident in the Romani concept of baxt, or luck, which is closely tied to the idea of movement and travel. For the Romani, luck is not something that is static or fixed but something that can change and shift as they move through the world.
This belief in the power of movement is reflected in many Romani myths and legends. For example, the story of Baba Fingo emphasizes the importance of maintaining autonomy and resisting external control. In this story, Baba Fingo is a wise old man who travels from place to place, helping the Romani people whenever they are in danger. His ability to move freely and escape from those who would harm him is seen as a key aspect of his power.
Another example of this theme is the Romani belief in the protective power of certain objects and symbols, such as horseshoes and the color red, which are often carried with them as they travel. These objects are believed to bring good luck and protect the bearer from harm, reflecting the Romani’s deep connection to the idea of mobility and the open road.
Dualities: Good and Evil
Romani mythology often explores the duality of good and evil, reflecting the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. The belief in Devla, the supreme god in Romani belief, represents goodness, protection, and the power of the divine. Devla is often invoked in prayers and rituals to seek protection from harm and to ensure the well-being of the community. In contrast, Beng, a devil-like figure, embodies evil, misfortune, and the forces of darkness. Beng is feared and avoided, and Romani rituals often include measures to protect against his malevolent influence.
This duality is also reflected in the Romani’s belief in mullo, or the undead. Mullo are believed to be the spirits of those who have died a violent or untimely death, and they return to the world of the living to cause harm. The fear of mullo is deeply ingrained in Romani culture, and elaborate rituals are performed to prevent their return. These rituals often involve the use of garlic, iron, and other protective symbols, as well as the practice of driving a stake through the heart of the deceased to ensure they do not rise from the grave.
The theme of duality in Romani mythology is not just about the battle between good and evil but also about the balance between these forces. For the Romani, the world is a place of constant struggle between light and darkness, and their myths reflect the belief that both forces are necessary for the world to exist. This duality is also seen in the Romani concept of kaku, or fate, which is believed to be influenced by both divine and malevolent forces. Romani rituals and practices often seek to influence or change kaku, reflecting the belief that while fate may be predetermined, it is not entirely unchangeable.
Prominent Figures and Deities
Devla (God) and Devleski Day (Mother Goddess)
At the heart of Romani spirituality is Devla, a god figure who is often seen as a protector and guide. Devla is not just a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in the daily lives of the Romani people. He is invoked in prayers and rituals for protection, guidance, and blessings, particularly during times of travel or when facing difficult situations. Devla is often associated with the sky and is believed to watch over the Romani people as they journey through life.
Alongside Devla is Devleski Day, a mother goddess who symbolizes creation, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of the divine. Devleski Day is often invoked in rituals related to childbirth, marriage, and other important life events. She is seen as a protector of women and children and is often depicted as a nurturing and caring figure who watches over the family and ensures their well-being.
The worship of Devla and Devleski Day reflects the Romani’s deep connection to nature and the cycles of life. These deities are often associated with the natural world, and their worship is closely tied to the changing seasons and the rhythms of nature. For example, the festival of Ederlezi, celebrated in the spring, is dedicated to Devleski Day and marks the beginning of the summer season. During this festival, the Romani people celebrate the renewal of life and the blessings of fertility, often with songs, dances, and rituals that honor the goddess and seek her protection for the coming year.
Baba Fingo and Bababiljos
Baba Fingo is another significant figure in Romani mythology, revered as a savior and protector of the Romani people. Often depicted as an elderly, wise man with deep knowledge of magic and the natural world, Baba Fingo embodies the virtues of wisdom, resilience, and autonomy. Much like the Romani people themselves, Baba Fingo is a wanderer, traveling from place to place, always ready to lend his aid to those in need. His character reflects the Romani’s own experiences and their understanding of the world as a place of constant movement and change.
Baba Fingo is not just a passive figure; he actively intervenes in the lives of the Romani people, especially in times of crisis. For instance, in some legends, Baba Fingo is said to have protected the Romani from harm by guiding them through dangerous territories or by using his magical powers to outwit their enemies. These stories highlight the importance of cunning, adaptability, and the ability to navigate through adversity—traits that have been essential for the Romani’s survival over centuries.
Bababiljos, another deity, represents the more passionate and romantic aspects of Romani life. Associated with love, desire, and the joys of life, Bababiljos plays a central role in rituals and practices related to courtship, marriage, and the celebration of love. Unlike the more austere and protective figures like Baba Fingo or Devla, Bababiljos is often invoked during festivals and communal celebrations where joy, music, and dance are central. This deity’s presence in Romani mythology underscores the community’s emphasis on the importance of relationships, family, and the bonds of love that hold their society together.
Bibi (Ancestor Worship)
Ancestor worship plays a crucial role in Romani spiritual practices, with Bibi standing out as a protective female spirit deeply revered in the community. Bibi is often considered a guardian of the family, particularly of women and children, and is honored in rituals that seek to connect the living with their ancestors. These rituals are often performed during significant life events such as births, weddings, and funerals, where Bibi is called upon to offer protection, guidance, and blessings.
In many Romani communities, Bibi is celebrated during the festival of Bibija, a time when families come together to honor their ancestors and seek their protection for the coming year. This festival typically involves a communal feast, prayers, and offerings made to Bibi, often in the form of food, flowers, and candles. The practice of ancestor worship among the Romani reflects their deep respect for family and lineage, with the belief that the spirits of their ancestors continue to play an active role in the lives of the living.
The veneration of Bibi and other ancestor spirits also serves as a way for the Romani to maintain a sense of continuity and identity in the face of constant movement and change. By honoring their ancestors, the Romani are able to preserve their cultural heritage and reinforce the values and traditions that have sustained them through centuries of displacement and persecution.
Supernatural Creatures and Beliefs
Mullo (Vampires) and Dhampir
The belief in mullo, or vampires, is one of the most well-known and feared aspects of Romani mythology. In Romani folklore, mullo are the restless spirits of those who have died a violent or untimely death, particularly those who have been wronged or whose burial rites were not properly observed. These spirits are believed to return to the world of the living to exact revenge or to spread misfortune and disease.
The fear of mullo is deeply ingrained in Romani culture, and various rituals and protective measures are taken to prevent their return. For example, Romani burial practices often involve placing heavy stones on the grave, driving a stake through the heart of the deceased, or performing rituals to ensure that the spirit is at peace and will not return to haunt the living. Garlic, iron, and holy water are commonly used as protective charms against mullo, reflecting the influence of both Christian and pre-Christian beliefs on Romani practices.
The concept of the dhampir, a being born of the union between a human and a mullo, is also prevalent in Romani folklore. Dhampirs are believed to possess special abilities that allow them to detect and destroy mullo, making them invaluable protectors of the community. In some stories, dhampirs are seen as cursed figures, burdened with the responsibility of fighting the undead, while in others, they are celebrated as heroes who protect their people from supernatural threats.
These beliefs in mullo and dhampir highlight the Romani’s complex relationship with death and the supernatural. While death is seen as a natural part of life, it is also viewed as a potentially dangerous and disruptive force that must be carefully managed through rituals and protective practices.
Fairies, Dragons, and Other Entities
Romani folklore is rich with stories of fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures that inhabit the spaces between the human and supernatural worlds. These beings often reflect the Romani’s own experiences of living on the margins of society, navigating a world that is both familiar and alien.
For example, fairies in Romani mythology are often seen as capricious and unpredictable, much like the forces of fate and fortune that the Romani must contend with in their daily lives. These fairies, known as vilya in some Romani communities, are believed to live in remote, natural places such as forests, mountains, and rivers. They are both revered and feared, as they can bring good fortune to those who respect them but can also cause great harm to those who offend them.
Dragons, on the other hand, are often depicted as powerful and malevolent creatures that represent the oppressive forces the Romani have historically faced. In some stories, dragons hoard treasure or abduct maidens, symbolizing the greed and violence that the Romani have encountered throughout their history. In other tales, dragons are defeated by clever heroes, reflecting the Romani’s belief in the power of wit and cunning to overcome even the most formidable adversaries.
Other supernatural entities in Romani mythology include strigoi (witches or vampires), djiin (spirits), and various household spirits that protect the home and family. These beings are often invoked in rituals and practices designed to ensure the well-being of the community, reflecting the Romani’s deep connection to the spiritual world and their belief in the importance of maintaining harmony between the human and supernatural realms.
Rituals, Festivals, and Practices
Fire and Water Worship
Fire and water hold significant spiritual meaning in Romani rituals, often symbolizing purification, protection, and the life-giving forces of nature. Fire, in particular, is seen as a powerful protective force that can ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This belief is reflected in the Romani practice of lighting bonfires during certain festivals, such as Ederlezi and Savašani, to cleanse the community and ensure a prosperous year ahead.
Water is also a central element in Romani spiritual practices, particularly in rituals related to purification and healing. For example, during the festival of Ederlezi, which marks the beginning of the summer season, Romani communities often perform rituals involving the washing of hands, feet, or even entire bodies in rivers or other natural water sources. This practice is believed to cleanse the body and soul, ensuring health and well-being for the coming year.
The symbolic use of fire and water in Romani rituals underscores the community’s deep connection to the natural world and their belief in the power of the elements to influence their lives. These rituals also serve as a way to bring the community together, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity through shared practices and beliefs.
Saint Sarah and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
One of the most important figures in Romani religious practice is Saint Sarah, also known as Sara la Kali or Sara the Black. Saint Sarah is the Romani patron saint, and her veneration is a key aspect of Romani spirituality. According to legend, Saint Sarah was a servant of the three Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome, and Mary Jacobe), who, according to Christian tradition, fled to the shores of southern France after the crucifixion of Jesus.
Every year, thousands of Romani people from across Europe and beyond gather in the small town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in France to honor Saint Sarah during a vibrant pilgrimage. This event, known as the Pèlerinage des Gitans (Gypsy Pilgrimage), is one of the most important religious and cultural gatherings for the Romani community. The pilgrimage includes processions, prayers, and rituals in which the statue of Saint Sarah is carried to the sea, symbolizing her role as a protector and guide for the Romani people.
The veneration of Saint Sarah reflects the Romani’s deep connection to their spiritual heritage and their sense of identity as a distinct community within the broader Christian tradition. Saint Sarah is revered as a symbol of endurance, faith, and protection, embodying the Romani’s resilience and their belief in the power of the divine to guide and protect them on their journeys.
Influence on Popular Culture
Romani Mythology in Western Literature and Media
Romani mythology has had a profound impact on Western literature and media, often serving as a source of inspiration for stories of mystery, magic, and the exotic. However, these portrayals have not always been accurate, and Romani characters have frequently been depicted as mysterious outsiders or even villains. This has contributed to the stereotyping and marginalization of Romani people, perpetuating harmful myths rather than celebrating the richness of their culture.
The figure of the “gypsy” fortune-teller, often portrayed as a mysterious woman with the ability to see the future, has become a pervasive trope in Western literature and media. This image, while rooted in some aspects of Romani culture, is largely a fictionalized and romanticized version that has little to do with the actual beliefs and practices of the Romani people. In many stories, such as Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Romani characters are portrayed as either mystical or malevolent, reinforcing stereotypes that contribute to the marginalization of the Romani community.
The trope of the Romani fortune-teller is often associated with tarot cards, crystal balls, and palm reading—practices that are indeed part of some Romani traditions but are far from being the defining characteristics of Romani spirituality. These portrayals have often led to the misrepresentation of Romani people as inherently mystical, secretive, or even dangerous, rather than as a diverse and dynamic cultural group with a rich and complex mythology.
Moreover, in films such as Snatch (2000) and The Wolfman (2010), Romani characters are depicted as either cunning tricksters or bearers of ancient curses. These depictions, while compelling in a fictional context, do not accurately represent the realities of Romani life or the depth of their cultural practices. Instead, they often reduce Romani characters to mere plot devices that serve to heighten the sense of mystery or danger in the narrative.
Despite these misrepresentations, there has also been a growing interest in Romani culture and mythology in more recent times, with some works attempting to portray Romani characters and their beliefs with greater accuracy and respect. For example, in Isabel Allende’s novel The House of the Spirits, the Romani character Esteban Garcia is depicted with more depth, offering a glimpse into the complexities of Romani life. Similarly, the 1993 film The Ballad of the Sad Café portrays Romani characters in a way that emphasizes their humanity rather than reducing them to mere stereotypes.
In the world of music, Romani culture has significantly influenced various genres, particularly in the form of “Gypsy jazz,” a style pioneered by the legendary Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt. This genre, also known as “manouche jazz,” blends traditional Romani music with American jazz, creating a unique and enduring sound that continues to inspire musicians around the world.
Misrepresentation and Cultural Appropriation
While Romani mythology has inspired many artistic and literary works, it has also been subject to widespread misrepresentation and cultural appropriation. Often, elements of Romani culture are taken out of context and used to create exotic or mystical characters, without any genuine understanding of the people or their traditions. This appropriation can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the ongoing marginalization of Romani communities.
For instance, the use of the term “gypsy” in fashion and music to describe a bohemian or free-spirited lifestyle often strips away the historical and cultural significance of the Romani identity. This term, which has been used pejoratively against Romani people, becomes a commercialized label that erases the struggles and richness of Romani culture.
In addition, the portrayal of Romani people as wanderers or outsiders, disconnected from any sense of home or nation, ignores the fact that many Romani communities have deep connections to the lands they inhabit and have established strong cultural and familial ties despite their history of displacement. This narrative of perpetual otherness reinforces the idea that Romani people do not belong in the societies where they live, contributing to their exclusion and discrimination.
