Material from Wikipedia

Total population: 8~10 million

Settlement: Albania:
from 1300 to 120,000
Argentina:
300 000
Belarus:
17 000
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
60,000
Brazil:
678 000
Canada:
80 000
Russia:
183,000 (2002 census)
Romania:
535,140 (see population of Romania)
Slovakia:
65,000 (officially)
USA:
1 million Handbook of Texas
Ukraine:
48,000 (2001 census)
Croatia:
9,463 to 14,000 (2001 Census)

Language: Gypsy, Domari, Lomavren

Religion: Christianity, Islam

Gypsies are the collective name for about 80 ethnic groups, united by a common origin and recognition of the “Gypsy law”. There is no single self-name, although recently the term Romanies, that is, “rum-like,” has been proposed as such.

The English traditionally called them Gypsies (from Egyptians - “Egyptians”), the Spaniards - Gitanos (also from Egiptanos - “Egyptians”), the French - Bohémiens (“Bohemians”, “Czechs”), Gitans (distorted Spanish Gitanos) or Tsiganes (borrowing from Greek - τσιγγάνοι, tsinganos), Germans - Zigeuner, Italians - Zingari, Dutch - Zigeuners, Armenians - Գնչուներ (gnchuner), Hungarians - Cigany or Pharao nerek ("Pharaoh's tribe"), Georgians - ბოშ ები (bosebi), Finns - mustalaiset (“black”), Turks - Çingeneler; Azerbaijanis - Qaraçı (Garachy, i.e. “black”); Jews - צוענים (tso’anim), from the name of the biblical province of Tsoan in Ancient Egypt; Bulgarians - Tsigani. Currently, ethnonyms from the self-name of a part of the gypsies, “Roma” (English Roma, Czech Romové, Finnish romanit, etc.) are becoming increasingly widespread in various languages.

Three types predominate in the traditional names of Gypsies:

The literal translation of one of the self-names of the Gypsies is Kale (Gypsies: black);
reflecting the ancient idea of ​​them as immigrants from Egypt;
distorted versions of the Byzantine nickname “atsinganos” (meaning “fortune tellers, magicians”).

Now gypsies live in many countries of Europe, Western and South Asia, as well as in North Africa, North and South America and Australia. The number, according to various estimates, ranges from 2.5 to 8 million and even 10-12 million people. There were 175.3 thousand people in the USSR (1970 census). According to the 2002 census, about 183 thousand Roma lived in Russia.

National symbols

Gypsy flag

On April 8, 1971, the first World Gypsy Congress took place in London. The result of the congress was the recognition of the gypsies of the world as a single non-territorial nation and the adoption of national symbols: a flag and an anthem based on the folk song “Djelem, Djelem.” Lyricist: Jarko Jovanovic.

The peculiarity of the anthem is the absence of a clearly established melody; each performer arranges the folk tune in his own way. There are also several versions of the text, in which only the first verse and chorus are exactly the same. All options are recognized by gypsies.

Instead of a coat of arms, gypsies use a number of recognizable symbols: a wagon wheel, a horseshoe, a deck of cards.

Such symbols are usually decorated with Gypsy books, newspapers, magazines and websites, and one of these symbols is usually included in the logos of events dedicated to Gypsy culture.

In honor of the first World Gypsy Congress, April 8 is considered Roma Day. Some gypsies have a custom associated with it: in the evening, at a certain time, they carry a lighted candle along the street.

History of the people

The most common self-name of the gypsies, which they brought from India, is “rum” or “roma” among the European gypsies, “home” among the gypsies of the Middle East and Asia Minor, and “lom” among the gypsies of Armenia. All these names go back to the Indo-Aryan "d"om" with the first cerebral sound. The cerebral sound, relatively speaking, is a cross between the sounds "r", "d" and "l". According to linguistic studies, the Roma of Europe and houses and crowbars Asia and the Caucasus were the three main "streams" of migrants from India. Under the name "d"om, low-caste groups appear today in various areas of modern India. Despite the fact that modern houses in India are difficult to directly relate to the gypsies, their name has a direct connection with them. The difficulty is to understand what the connection was in the past between the ancestors of the Gypsies and the Indian houses. The results of linguistic research conducted back in the 20s. XX century by the major Indologist-linguist R.L. Turner, and which is shared by modern scientists, in particular, the linguists-Romologists J. Matras and J. Hancock, show that the ancestors of the Gypsies lived in the central regions of India and several centuries before the exodus (approximately in the 3rd century BC) migrated to Northern Punjab.
A number of data indicate the settlement in the central and northwestern regions of India of a population with the self-name d"om / d"omba starting from the 5th-4th centuries. BC. This population was originally tribal groups of common origin, possibly related to the Austroasiatics (one of the largest autochthonous strata of India). Subsequently, with the gradual development of the caste system, d"om / d"omba occupied the lower levels in the social hierarchy and began to be recognized as caste groups. At the same time, the integration of houses into the caste system occurred primarily in the central parts of India, and the northwestern regions remained a “tribal” zone for a very long time. This tribal character of the areas of origin was supported by the constant penetration there of Iranian nomadic tribes, whose resettlement in the period before the migration of the ancestors of the Gypsies from India took on a massive scale. These circumstances determined the nature of the culture of the peoples of the Indus Valley zone (including the ancestors of the Gypsies), a culture that for centuries retained its nomadic and semi-nomadic type. Also, the very ecology of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, the arid and infertile soils near the Indus River contributed to the development of a semi-pastoral, semi-trading mobile economic model for a number of local population groups. Russian authors believe that during the period of exodus the ancestors of the Gypsies represented a socially structured ethnic population of common origin (rather than a number of separate castes), engaged in commercial transportation and trade in transport animals, and also, if necessary, as auxiliary occupations - a number of crafts and other services, which formed part of everyday skills. The authors explain the cultural and anthropological difference between the gypsies and the modern houses of India (which have more pronounced non-Aryan features than the gypsies) by the indicated strong Aryan influence (in particular, in its Iranian modification), characteristic of the northwestern regions of India, where the ancestors of the gypsies lived before the exodus . This interpretation of the ethno-social origin of the Indian ancestors of the Roma is supported by a number of foreign and Russian researchers.

Early history (VI-XV centuries)

According to linguistic and genetic studies, the ancestors of the Roma left India in a group of about 1,000 people. The time of migration of the ancestors of the Roma from India is not precisely established, as is the number of migration waves. Various researchers approximately determine the outcome of the so-called “proto-Gypsy” groups in the 6th-10th centuries AD. According to the most popular version, based on an analysis of loanwords in the languages ​​of the Roma, the ancestors of modern Roma spent about 400 years in Persia before the Roma branch moved west into the territory of Byzantium.

They concentrated for some time in the eastern region of Byzantium called Armeniak, where the Armenians were settled. One branch of the ancestors of modern Gypsies advanced from there to the region of modern Armenia (the Lom branch, or Bosha Gypsies). The rest moved further west. They were the ancestors of the European gypsies: Romov, Kale, Sinti, Manush. Some of the migrants remained in the Middle East (the ancestors of the houses). There is an opinion that another branch passed to Palestine and through it to Egypt.

As for the so-called Central Asian gypsies, or Lyuli, they are, as is sometimes figuratively said, cousins ​​or even second cousins ​​of the European gypsies.

Thus, the Central Asian gypsy population, having absorbed various streams of migrants from Punjab (including Baloch groups) over the centuries, has historically been heterogeneous.

The Gypsies of Europe are descendants of the Gypsies who lived in Byzantium.

Documents indicate that the gypsies lived both in the center of the empire and on its outskirts, and there most of these gypsies converted to Christianity. In Byzantium, the gypsies quickly integrated into society. In a number of places, their leaders were given certain privileges. Written references to the Gypsies from this period are sparse, but they do not seem to suggest that the Gypsies attracted any special interest or were perceived as a marginal or criminal group. Gypsies are mentioned as metalworkers, horse harness makers, saddlers, fortune tellers (in Byzantium this was a common profession), trainers (in the earliest sources - snake charmers, and only in later sources - bear trainers). At the same time, the most common crafts, apparently, were still artistic and blacksmithing; entire villages of gypsy blacksmiths are mentioned.

With the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, the gypsies began to migrate to Europe. The first to arrive in Europe, judging by written European sources, were marginal, adventurously minded representatives of the people who were engaged in begging, fortune telling and petty theft, which marked the beginning of a negative perception of the Gypsies as a people among Europeans. And only after some time, artists, trainers, artisans, and horse dealers began to arrive.

Gypsies in Western Europe (XV - early XX centuries)

The first gypsy camps that came to Western Europe told the rulers of European countries that the Pope had imposed a special punishment on them for a temporary apostasy from the Christian faith: seven years of wandering. At first, the authorities provided them with protection: they gave them food, money and letters of protection. Over time, when the period of wandering had clearly expired, such indulgences stopped, and the gypsies began to be ignored.

Meanwhile, an economic and social crisis was brewing in Europe. Its result was the adoption of a number of cruel laws in Western European countries, directed, among other things, against representatives of itinerant professions, as well as simply vagabonds, the number of which increased greatly due to the crisis, which, apparently, created a criminogenic situation. Nomadic, semi-nomadic, or those who tried to settle down but became bankrupt, the gypsies also became victims of these laws. They were identified as a special group of vagabonds by issuing separate decrees, the first of which was issued in Spain in 1482.

In the book “History of the Gypsies. A New Look" (N. Bessonov, N. Demeter) provides examples of anti-Gypsy laws:

Sweden. A law from 1637 prescribed the hanging of male Gypsies.

Mainz. 1714 Death to all Gypsies captured within the state. Flogging and branding of women and children with hot irons.

England. According to the law of 1554, the death penalty was for men. According to an additional decree of Elizabeth I, the law was tightened. From now on, execution awaited “those who have or will have friendship or acquaintance with the Egyptians.” Already in 1577, seven Englishmen and one Englishwoman fell under this decree. They were all hanged at Aylesbury.
Historian Scott-McPhee counts 148 laws adopted in the German states from the 15th to the 18th centuries. They were all approximately the same, the diversity is only evident in the details. Thus, in Moravia, gypsies had their left ears cut off, and in Bohemia, their right ears. In the Archduchy of Austria they preferred to brand, and so on.

Stigma used in Germany during the anti-Gypsy laws

Perhaps the most cruel was Frederick William of Prussia. In 1725, he ordered that all male and female gypsies over eighteen years of age be put to death.

As a result of persecution, the Roma of Western Europe, firstly, were heavily criminalized, since they did not have the opportunity to legally obtain food for themselves, and secondly, they were practically culturally preserved (to this day, the Roma of Western Europe are considered the most distrustful and committed to literally following ancient traditions). They also had to lead a special way of life: moving at night, hiding in forests and caves, which increased the suspicion of the population, and also gave rise to rumors about cannibalism, Satanism, vampirism and werewolves of the gypsies, the consequence of these rumors was the emergence of related myths about kidnapping and especially children (for consumption or for satanic rituals) and about the ability to perform evil spells.

Picture from a French entertainment magazine showing gypsies cooking human meat

Some of the gypsies managed to avoid repression by enlisting in the army as soldiers or servants (blacksmiths, saddlers, grooms, etc.) in those countries where soldier recruitment was active (Sweden, Germany). Their families were thereby also taken out of harm's way. The ancestors of Russian gypsies came to Russia through Poland from Germany, where they mainly served in the army or with the army, so at first among other gypsies they bore the nickname, roughly translated as “army gypsies.”

The repeal of anti-Gypsy laws coincides with the beginning of the industrial revolution and Europe's recovery from the economic crisis. After the repeal of these laws, the process of integration of Roma into European society began. Thus, during the 19th century, gypsies in France, according to Jean-Pierre Lejoie, author of the article “Bohemiens et pouvoirs publics en France du XV-e au XIX-e siecle,” mastered professions thanks to which they were recognized and even began to be valued: they they sheared sheep, weaved baskets, traded, were hired as day laborers in seasonal agricultural work, and were dancers and musicians.

However, by that time, anti-Gypsy myths were already firmly rooted in the European consciousness. Now traces of them can be seen in fiction, linking gypsies with a passion for child abduction (the goals of which are becoming less and less clear over time), werewolves and service to vampires.

By that time, the abolition of anti-Gypsy laws had not occurred in all European countries. Thus, in Poland, on November 3, 1849, a decree was passed on the arrest of nomadic gypsies. For each Roma detained, the police were paid bonuses. As a result, the police captured not only nomadic, but also sedentary gypsies, recording those detained as vagrants and children as adults (to get more money). After the Polish Uprising of 1863, this law became invalid.

It can also be noted that, starting with the abolition of anti-Gypsy laws, gifted individuals in certain areas began to appear among the Gypsies, stand out and receive recognition in non-Gypsy society, which is another evidence of the prevailing situation, which is more or less favorable for the Gypsies. So, in Great Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these were preacher Rodney Smith, footballer Rabie Howell, radio journalist and writer George Bramwell Evens; in Spain - Franciscan Seferino Jimenez Mallya, Tocaor Ramon Montoya Salazar Sr.; in France - jazzmen brothers Ferret and Django Reinhardt; in Germany - boxer Johann Trollmann.

Gypsies in Eastern Europe (XV - early XX centuries)

Migration of Roma to Europe

At the beginning of the 15th century, a significant part of the Byzantine gypsies led a semi-sedentary lifestyle. Gypsies were known not only in the Greek regions of Byzantium, but also in Serbia, Albania, and the lands of modern Romania and Hungary. They settled in villages or urban settlements, gathering compactly based on kinship and profession. The main crafts were working with iron and precious metals, carving household items from wood, and weaving baskets. Nomadic gypsies also lived in these areas, who also engaged in crafts or circus performances using trained bears.

In 1432, King Zsigmond of Hungary granted tax exemption to the gypsies because they began to play an important role in the defense of the region. The gypsies made cannonballs, edged weapons, horse harnesses and armor for warriors.

After the conquest of the Balkans by Muslims, most of the artisans remained in their jobs, since their work remained in demand. In Muslim sources, the gypsies are described as craftsmen who are capable of any delicate metal work, including the manufacture of guns. Christian Gypsies often obtained guarantees of security for themselves and their families by serving the Turkish army. A significant number of Roma came to Bulgaria with Turkish troops (which was the reason for their rather cool relations with the local population).

Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror imposed a tax on the Gypsies, but exempted the gunsmiths from it, as well as those Gypsies who lived in the fortresses. Even then, some Roma began to convert to Islam. This process accelerated due to the subsequent policy of Islamization of the conquered lands by the Turks, which included increased taxes for the Christian population. As a result of this policy, the Roma of Eastern Europe were actually divided into Muslims and Christians. Under the Turks, Gypsies also began to be sold into slavery for the first time (for tax debts), but this was not widespread.

In the 16th century, the Turks made considerable efforts to census the Roma. Ottoman documents detail age, occupation, and other information required for tax purposes. Even nomadic groups were included in the register. The list of professions was very extensive: documents from the Balkan archives list blacksmiths, tinkers, butchers, painters, shoemakers, watchmen, wool beaters, walkers, tailors, shepherds, etc.

In general, Ottoman policy towards Roma can be called soft. This had both positive and negative consequences. on the one hand, the Roma have not become a criminalized group, as in Western Europe. On the other hand, the local population recorded them as the “favorites” of the Turkish authorities, as a result of which the attitude towards them was cold or even hostile. Thus, in the Moldavian and Volosh principalities, the gypsies were declared slaves “from birth”; Each gypsy belonged to the owner of the land on which the decree found him. There, for several centuries, Roma were subjected to the most severe punishments, torture for entertainment and mass executions. Trade in Gypsy serfs and torture of them were practiced until the mid-19th century. Here is an example of advertisements for sale: 1845

The sons and heirs of the deceased Serdar Nikolai Nico, in Bucharest, are selling 200 families of gypsies. Men are mostly metalworkers, goldsmiths, shoemakers, musicians and farmers.

And 1852:

Monastery of St. Elijah offered for sale the first lot of gypsy slaves, May 8, 1852, consisting of 18 men, 10 boys, 7 women and 3 girls: in excellent condition

In 1829, the Russian Empire won the war with the Turks; Moldavia and Wallachia came under her control. Adjutant General Kiselyov was temporarily appointed ruler of the principalities. He insisted on amending the civil code of Moldova. Among other things, in 1833 the gypsies were recognized as individuals, which meant that their killing was prohibited. A paragraph was introduced according to which a gypsy woman forced to become her master’s concubine was freed after his death.

Under the influence of the progressive minds of Russia, the ideas of abolition of serfdom began to spread in Moldavian and Romanian society. Students studying abroad also contributed to their spread. In September 1848, a youth demonstration took place on the streets of Bucharest demanding the abolition of serfdom. Some of the landowners voluntarily freed their slaves. However, for the most part, slave owners resisted new ideas. In order not to cause their discontent, the governments of Moldavia and Wallachia acted in a roundabout way: they bought slaves from their owners and freed them. Finally, in 1864, slavery was outlawed by law.

After the abolition of slavery, active emigration of Kalderar gypsies from Wallachia to Russia, Hungary and other countries began. By the beginning of World War II, Kalderars could be found in almost all European countries.

Gypsies in Russia, Ukraine and the USSR (late 17th - early 20th centuries)

The earliest Russian official document mentioning gypsies dates back to 1733 - a decree of Anna Ioanovna on new taxes for the maintenance of the army.

The next mention in documents occurs a few months later and shows that the Roma came to Russia relatively shortly before the adoption of the tax decree and secured their right to live in Ingermanland. Before this, apparently, their status in Russia was not defined, but now they were allowed:

Live and trade horses; and since they showed themselves to be natives of the area, it was ordered that they be included in the capitation census wherever they wished to live, and placed in the regiment of the Horse Guards

From the phrase “they showed themselves to be natives here,” one can understand that there was at least a second generation of gypsies living in this area.

Even earlier, about a century, gypsies (serva groups) appeared on the territory of modern Ukraine.

2004 Modern gypsy servants in Ukraine.

As we can see, by the time the document was written they were already paying taxes, that is, they were living legally.

In Russia, new ethnic groups of Roma appeared as the territory expanded. Thus, when parts of Poland were annexed to the Russian Empire, Polish Roma appeared in Russia; Bessarabia - various Moldovan gypsies; Crimea - Crimean gypsies.

The decree of Catherine II of December 21, 1783 classified the Gypsies as a peasant class and ordered that taxes and taxes be collected from them in accordance with the class. However, Gypsies were also allowed, if they wished, to attribute themselves to other classes (except, of course, the noble, and with the appropriate lifestyle), and by the end of the 19th century there were already quite a few Russian Gypsies of the bourgeois and merchant classes (for the first time, Gypsies were mentioned as representatives of these classes, however , back in 1800). During the 19th century, there was a steady process of integration and settlement of Russian Gypsies, usually associated with an increase in the financial well-being of families. A layer of professional artists has emerged.

Gypsies from the city of Novy Oskol. Photography from the early 20th century.

At the end of the 19th century, not only settled gypsies sent their children to schools, but also nomadic ones (staying in the village in winter). In addition to the groups mentioned above, the population of the Russian Empire included the Asian Lyuli, Caucasian Karachi and Bosha, and at the beginning of the 20th century also the Lovari and Kelderar.

The revolution of 1917 hit the most educated part of the Gypsy population (since it was also the wealthiest) - representatives of the merchant class, as well as Gypsy artists, whose main source of income was performances in front of nobles and merchants. Many wealthy gypsy families abandoned their property and went into nomadism, since nomadic gypsies during the Civil War were automatically classified as poor. The Red Army did not touch the poor, and almost no one touched the nomadic gypsies. Some Roma families emigrated to European countries, China and the USA. Young gypsy boys could be found both in the Red Army and in the White Army, since the social stratification of Russian gypsies and serfs was already significant by the beginning of the 20th century.

After the Civil War, gypsies from among the former merchants who became nomads tried to limit their children’s contact with non-gypsies and did not allow them to go to school, in fear that the children would accidentally reveal their families’ non-poor origins. As a result, illiteracy became almost universal among the nomadic gypsies. In addition, the number of settled gypsies, whose core was merchants and artists before the revolution, has sharply decreased. By the end of the 20s, the problems of illiteracy and a large number of nomadic gypsies in the gypsy population were noticed by the Soviet Government. The government, together with activists from among the Roma artists remaining in the cities, tried to take a number of measures to solve these problems.

Thus, in 1927, the Council of People's Commissars of Ukraine adopted a resolution on assistance to nomadic gypsies in the transition to a “working sedentary lifestyle.”

At the end of the 20s, Roma pedagogical technical schools were opened, literature and press were published in the Roma language, and Roma boarding schools operated.

Gypsies and World War II

During World War II, according to recent research, about 150,000-200,000 Roma in Central and Eastern Europe were exterminated by the Nazis and their allies (see Roma Genocide). Of these, 30,000 were citizens of the USSR.

On the Soviet side, during the Second World War, their co-religionists, the Crimean Gypsies (Kyrymitika Roma), were deported from Crimea, along with the Crimean Tatars.

The gypsies were not only passive victims. Gypsies of the USSR participated in military operations as privates, tank crews, drivers, pilots, artillerymen, medical workers and partisans; Gypsies from France, Belgium, Slovakia, the Balkan countries were in the Resistance, as well as Gypsies from Romania and Hungary who were there during the war.

Gypsies in Europe and the USSR/Russia (second half of the 20th - beginning of the 21st century)

Ukrainian gypsies, Lviv

Ukrainian gypsies.

After World War II, the Roma of Europe and the USSR were conventionally divided into several cultural groups: the Roma of the USSR, socialist countries, Spain and Portugal, Scandinavia, Great Britain and Western Europe. Within these cultural groups, the cultures of different Roma ethnic groups moved closer together, while the cultural groups themselves moved away from each other. The cultural rapprochement of the Gypsies of the USSR took place on the basis of the culture of the Russian Gypsies, as the largest Gypsy ethnic group.

In the republics of the USSR there was intensive assimilation and integration of Roma into society. On the one hand, the persecution of Roma by the authorities, which took place shortly before the war, did not resume. On the other hand, original culture, in addition to music, was suppressed, propaganda was carried out on the theme of the liberation of the Gypsies from universal poverty by the revolution, a stereotype of the poverty of the Gypsy culture itself was formed before the influence of the Soviet regime (see Culture of the Gypsies, Inga Andronikova), the cultural achievements of the Gypsies were declared achievements in the first place turn of the Soviet government (for example, the Romen Theater was universally called the first and only gypsy theater, the appearance of which was attributed to the merit of the Soviet government), the gypsies of the USSR were cut off from the information space of the European gypsies (with whom some connection was maintained before the revolution), which cut off Soviet gypsies also from the cultural achievements of their European fellow tribesmen. However, the assistance from the Soviet government in the development of artistic culture and in increasing the level of education of the Roma population of the USSR was high.

On October 5, 1956, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR “On the introduction to work of gypsies engaged in vagrancy” was issued, equating nomadic gypsies to parasites and prohibiting a nomadic lifestyle. The reaction to the decree was twofold, both from local authorities and from the Roma. Local authorities carried out this decree, either by providing housing to the gypsies and encouraging or forcing them to take official employment instead of handicrafts and fortune-telling, or by simply driving the gypsies out of the sites and subjecting the nomadic gypsies to discrimination at the everyday level. The gypsies either rejoiced at their new housing and quite easily transitioned to new living conditions (often these were gypsies who had gypsy friends or settled relatives in their new place of residence who helped them with advice in establishing a new life), or they considered the decree the beginning of an attempt to assimilate, to dissolve the Gypsies as an ethnic group and avoided its implementation in every possible way. Those gypsies who initially accepted the decree neutrally, but did not have informational and moral support, soon perceived the transition to settled life as a misfortune. As a result of the decree, more than 90% of the Roma of the USSR settled.

In modern Eastern Europe, less often in Western Europe, Roma often become the object of discrimination in society.

At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, Europe and Russia were swept by a wave of Roma migrations. Impoverished or marginalized Roma from Romania, western Ukraine and the former Yugoslavia - former socialist. countries in which economic and social difficulties arose after the collapse of the USSR - went to work in the European Union and Russia. Nowadays, they can be seen literally at any crossroads in the world; the women of these gypsies have returned en masse to the ancient traditional occupation of begging.

In Russia, there is also a slower but noticeable impoverishment, marginalization and criminalization of the Roma population. The average educational level has decreased. The problem of drug use among teenagers has become acute. Quite often, gypsies began to be mentioned in criminal chronicles in connection with drug trafficking and fraud. The popularity of gypsy musical art has noticeably decreased. At the same time, the Gypsy press and Gypsy literature were revived.

In Europe and Russia, there is active cultural borrowing between gypsies of different nationalities, a common gypsy music and dance culture is emerging, which is strongly influenced by the culture of Russian gypsies.

Gypsies are perhaps one of the most incomprehensible and mythologized peoples on our planet, and this has been the case for many centuries. There are rumors around the world that when gypsies come to a city, they seduce men and women and then steal everything in sight, including children. There are also many myths about cunning and mysterious gypsy fortune tellers and gypsy camps. In any case, even if we put all myths and misconceptions aside, the Roma remain one of the most interesting ethnic groups in history.

1. Where did they come from?

The origins of the Gypsies are shrouded in mystery. At times it seemed that they appeared on the planet in some mysterious way. This in itself may have created a sense of fear among Europeans and contributed to the atmosphere of mystery surrounding the Gypsies. Modern scholars suggest that the Gypsies originally migrated en masse from India in the fifth century.

This theory suggests that their flight was linked to the spread of Islam, which the Roma were desperate to avoid in order to protect their religious freedom. This theory states that the Gypsies migrated from India to Anatolia and further to Europe, where they split into three separate branches: the Domari, the Lomavren, and the Gypsies themselves. Another theory suggests that there were as many as three separate migrations over several centuries.

2. Nomadic lifestyle of gypsies

Many stereotypes have long been formed around the gypsies. Who doesn’t know the phrase “gypsy soul” (which is used in relation to freedom-loving people). According to these stereotypes, gypsies prefer to live outside the “mainstream” and eschew social norms in order to be able to lead a nomadic lifestyle full of fun and dancing. The truth is much darker.

For many centuries, Roma were often forcibly expelled from the countries in which they lived. Such forced evictions continue to this day. Many historians have suggested that the true reason for the nomadic lifestyle of the Gypsies is very simple: survival.

3. Gypsies have no homeland

Gypsies are people without a specific citizenship. Most countries refuse to grant them citizenship, even if they were born in that country. Centuries of persecution and their closed community have led to the fact that the Roma simply have no homeland. In 2000, the Roma were officially declared a non-territorial nation. This lack of citizenship makes the Roma legally "invisible".

Although they are not subject to the laws of any country, they cannot access education, healthcare and other social services. Moreover, Roma cannot even obtain passports, making their travel very difficult or impossible.

4. Gypsy persecution.

It's worth starting with the fact that the Gypsies were actually enslaved people in Europe, especially in the 14th - 19th centuries. They were exchanged and sold as goods, and they were considered "subhumans." In the 1700s, Empress Maria Theresa of the Austro-Hungarian Empire passed a law that outlawed Gypsies. This was done to force the Roma to integrate into society.

Similar laws were passed in Spain, and many European countries banned Roma from entering their territory. The Nazi regime also persecuted and exterminated Roma by the tens of thousands. Even today the gypsies are persecuted.

5. Nobody knows how many gypsies there are in the world

Nobody knows how many gypsies live around the world today. Due to the discrimination that Roma often face, many of them do not publicly register or identify themselves as Roma. In addition, given their “legal invisibility”, the birth of children without documents and frequent moves, many Roma are listed as missing.

Also problematic is that Roma are not provided with social services, which would help paint a clearer picture of their numbers. However, The New York Times estimates the number of Roma people worldwide at 11 million, but this figure is often disputed.

6. Gypsies are an offensive word

For many people, the term "gypsy" means nomad and is not considered a racial slur. But for the “Roma” themselves (or “Romals” - the self-name of the Gypsies) this word has ominous overtones. For example, according to the Oxford Dictionary, the English word "gypped" (derived from "gypsie" - gypsy) means a criminal act.

Roma, often called gypsies, were considered losers and thieves, a word that was burned into their skin during the Nazi regime. Like many other racial slurs, the word "gypsy" has been used for centuries to oppress the Roma people.

7. Future, inexpensive...

There are many myths surrounding gypsies. One of these myths is that gypsies have their own magic, which has been passed down for centuries from generation to generation. The myth is associated with tarot cards, crystal balls and fortune tellers' tents, as well as other stereotypes. The literature is replete with references to the gypsy language and the magical arts of this people.

In addition, there are many films that show gypsy curses. Even in art, there are many paintings that describe Roma as mystical and magical people. However, many scientists believe that all this magic is fiction, resulting from the fact that people simply did not know anything about the gypsies.

8. Lack of formal religion

European folklore often claims that the Roma made a temple out of cream cheese. Presumably, they ate it during a period of severe famine, so they were left without an official religion. Generally, Gypsies join the church that is most widespread in the country in which they live. However, there are many traditional Romani beliefs. Some scholars believe that there are many connections between Roma beliefs and Hinduism.

9. Modesty

Although gypsy weddings are often accompanied by mass celebrations and luxurious attire, the everyday clothing of gypsies reflects one of their main life principles - modesty. Gypsy dancing is most often associated with women's belly dancing. However, many Romani women have never performed what is considered today belly dancing.

Instead, they perform traditional dances that use only their bellies for movement, not their thighs, as moving the hips is considered immodest. Additionally, the long, flowing skirts typically worn by gypsy women serve to cover their legs, as exposing their legs is also considered immodest.

10. The Gypsy contribution to world culture is enormous

From the very beginning of their existence, the Gypsies were closely associated with singing, dancing and acting. They carried this tradition throughout the centuries and significantly influenced world art. Many Gypsies have assimilated into different cultures, influencing them. Many singers, actors, artists, etc. had gypsy roots.

Mysterious peoples lived on our planet in the past. For example, such as .

- Bohemiens(“Bohemians”, “Czechs”), Gitans(garbled Spanish Gitanos) or Tsiganes(borrowing from Greek - τσιγγάνοι, Tsingani), Germans - Zigeuner, Italians - Zingari, the Dutch - Zigeuners, Hungarians - Cigany or Faraok nepe(“Pharaoh’s tribe”), Georgians - ბოშები (boshebi), Finns - mustalaiset(“black”), Kazakhs - sygandar, Lezgins - karachiyar(“hypocrites, pretenders”); Basque - Ijitoak; Albanians - Jevgjit(“Egyptians”); Jews - צוענים (tso'anim), from the name of the biblical province of Tsoan in Ancient Egypt; Persians - کولی (koli); Lithuanians - Čigonai; Bulgarians - Tsigani; Estonians - “mustlased” (from “Must” - black). Currently, ethnonyms from the self-name of a part of the gypsies, “Roma” (English) are becoming increasingly widespread in various languages. Roma, Czech Romové, Finnish romanit, etc.).

Thus, in the names of the gypsy population that are “external” in origin, three predominate:

• reflecting early ideas about them as immigrants from Egypt;
• distorted versions of the Byzantine nickname “atsinganos” (meaning “fortune tellers, magicians”);
• designations of “blackness” as a distinctive feature of appearance, made in different languages ​​(typically, one of the self-names of the gypsies is also translated as “black”)

Romani people live in many countries in Europe, as well as in North Africa, the Americas and Australia. Groups related to European gypsies also live in the countries of Western Asia. The number of European gypsies, according to various estimates, ranges from 8 million to 10-12 million people. There were officially 175.3 thousand people in the USSR (census). According to the 2010 census, about 220 thousand Roma live in Russia.

National symbols

In honor of the first World Gypsy Congress, April 8 is considered Gypsy day. Some gypsies have a custom associated with it: in the evening, at a certain time, they carry a lighted candle along the street.

History of the people

Indian period

The most common self-name of the gypsies, which they brought from India, is “rum” or “roma” among European gypsies, “home” among the gypsies of the Middle East and Asia Minor. All these names go back to the Indo-Aryan “d’om” with the first cerebral sound. The cerebral sound, relatively speaking, is a cross between the sounds “r”, “d” and “l”. According to linguistic studies, the Roma of Europe and the Roma of Asia and the Caucasus were the three main "streams" of migrants from India. Under the name d'om, low-caste groups appear in various areas of modern India today. Despite the fact that modern houses in India are difficult to directly relate to the gypsies, their name has a direct connection with them. The difficulty is to understand what the connection was in the past between the ancestors of the Gypsies and the Indian houses. The results of linguistic research conducted back in the 20s. 20th century by the prominent Indologist-linguist R.L. Turner, and which is shared by modern scientists, in particular, the linguists-Romologists J. Matras and J. Hancock, show that the ancestors of the Gypsies lived in the central regions of India and several centuries before the exodus (approximately in the 3rd century BC) migrated to Northern Punjab.

As for the so-called Central Asian gypsies, or Lyuli, they, as is sometimes figuratively said, are cousins ​​or even second cousins ​​of the European gypsies. Thus, the Central Asian gypsy population, over the centuries absorbing various streams of migrants from Punjab (including Baloch groups), has historically been heterogeneous (see, for example, an early description of the Central Asian gypsies: Vilkins A.I. Central Asian bohemia // Anthropological exhibition T. III. M., 1878-1882).

In the book “History of the Gypsies. A New Look" (N. Bessonov, N. Demeter) provides examples of anti-Gypsy laws:

Sweden. A law from 1637 prescribed the hanging of male Gypsies. Mainz. 1714 Death to all Gypsies captured within the state. Flogging and branding of women and children with hot irons. England. According to the law of 1554, the death penalty was for men. According to an additional decree of Elizabeth I, the law was tightened. From now on, execution awaited “those who have or will have friendship or acquaintance with the Egyptians.” Already in 1577, seven Englishmen and one Englishwoman fell under this decree. They were all hanged at Aylesbury. Historian Scott-McPhee counts 148 laws adopted in the German states from the 15th to the 18th centuries. They were all approximately the same, the diversity is only evident in the details. Thus, in Moravia, gypsies had their left ears cut off, and in Bohemia, their right ears. In the Archduchy of Austria they preferred to brand and so on. Perhaps the most cruel was Frederick William of Prussia. In 1725, he ordered that all male and female gypsies over eighteen years of age be put to death.

Picture from a French entertainment magazine showing gypsies cooking human meat

As a result of persecution, the Gypsies of Western Europe, firstly, were heavily criminalized, since they did not have the opportunity to legally obtain food for themselves, and secondly, they were practically culturally conserved (to this day, the Gypsies of Western Europe are considered the most distrustful and committed to literal adherence to ancient traditions). They also had to lead a special way of life: move at night, hide in forests and caves, which increased the suspicion of the population, and also gave rise to rumors about cannibalism, Satanism, vampirism and werewolves of the gypsies, the consequence of these rumors was the emergence of associated myths about kidnapping and especially children (for consumption or for satanic rites) and about the ability to perform evil spells.

Some of the gypsies managed to avoid repression by enlisting in the army as soldiers or servants (blacksmiths, saddlers, grooms, etc.) in those countries where soldier recruitment was active (Sweden, Germany). Their families were thereby also taken out of harm's way. The ancestors of Russian gypsies came to Russia through Poland from Germany, where they mainly served in the army or with the army, so at first among other gypsies they bore the nickname, roughly translated as “army gypsies.”

The repeal of anti-Gypsy laws coincides with the beginning of the industrial revolution and Europe's recovery from the economic crisis. After the repeal of these laws, the process of integration of Roma into European society began. Thus, during the 19th century, gypsies in France, according to Jean-Pierre Lejoie, author of the article “Bohemiens et pouvoirs publics en France du XV-e au XIX-e siecle”, mastered professions thanks to which they were recognized and even began to be valued: they they sheared sheep, weaved baskets, traded, were hired as day laborers in seasonal agricultural work, and were dancers and musicians.

However, by that time, anti-Gypsy myths were already firmly rooted in the European consciousness. Now traces of them can be seen in fiction, linking gypsies with a passion for child abduction (the goals of which are becoming less and less clear over time), werewolves and service to vampires.

By that time, the abolition of anti-Gypsy laws had not occurred in all European countries. Thus, in Poland, on November 3, 1849, a decree was passed on the arrest of nomadic gypsies. For each Roma detained, the police were paid bonuses. As a result, the police captured not only nomadic, but also sedentary gypsies, recording those detained as vagrants and children as adults (to get more money). After the Polish Uprising of 1863, this law became invalid.

It can also be noted that, starting with the abolition of anti-Gypsy laws, gifted individuals in certain areas began to appear among the Gypsies, stand out and receive recognition in non-Gypsy society, which is another evidence of the prevailing situation, which is more or less favorable for the Gypsies. So, in Great Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these were preacher Rodney Smith, footballer Rabie Howell, radio journalist and writer George Bramwell Evens; in Spain - Franciscan Ceferino Jimenez Mallya, Tocaor Ramon Montoya Salazar Sr.; in France - jazzmen brothers Ferret and Django Reinhardt; in Germany - boxer Johann Trollmann.

Gypsies in Eastern Europe (XV - early XX centuries)

Migration of Roma to Europe

At the beginning of the 15th century, a significant part of the Byzantine gypsies led a semi-sedentary lifestyle. Gypsies were known not only in the Greek regions of Byzantium, but also in Serbia, Albania, the lands of modern Romania (see slavery in Romania) and Hungary. They settled in villages or urban settlements, gathering compactly based on kinship and profession. The main crafts were working with iron and precious metals, carving household items from wood, and weaving baskets. Nomadic gypsies also lived in these areas, who also engaged in crafts or circus performances using trained bears.

The sons and heirs of the deceased Serdar Nikolai Nico, in Bucharest, are selling 200 families of gypsies. Men are mostly metalworkers, goldsmiths, shoemakers, musicians and farmers.

Monastery of St. Elijah offered for sale the first lot of gypsy slaves, May 8, 1852, consisting of 18 men, 10 boys, 7 women and 3 girls: in excellent condition.

Gypsies in Europe and the USSR/Russia (second half of the 20th - beginning of the 21st century)

In modern Eastern Europe, less often in Western Europe, Roma are often the target of discrimination in society, especially from right-wing extremist parties; in 2009, attacks on Romanian Roma in Northern Ireland were reported

At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, Europe and Russia were swept by a wave of Roma migrations. Impoverished or marginalized Roma from Romania, western Ukraine and the former Yugoslavia - former socialist countries that experienced economic and social difficulties after the collapse of the USSR - went to work in the European Union and Russia. Nowadays, they can be seen literally at any crossroads in the world; the women of these gypsies have returned en masse to the ancient traditional occupation of begging; drug trafficking and petty theft are also common.

In Russia, there is also a slower but noticeable impoverishment, marginalization and criminalization of the Roma population. The average educational level has decreased. The problem of drug use among teenagers has become acute. Quite often, gypsies began to be mentioned in crime chronicles in connection with drug trafficking and fraud. The popularity of gypsy musical art has noticeably decreased. At the same time, the Gypsy press and Gypsy literature were revived.

In Europe and Russia, there is active cultural borrowing between gypsies of different nationalities, a common gypsy music and dance culture is emerging, which is strongly influenced by the culture of Russian gypsies.

Gypsies outside Europe

Gypsies in Israel

• Gypsy house. Israel and neighboring countries are home to a community of gypsies known as the Dom people. By religion, the house is Muslim and speaks one of the dialects of the Gypsy language (the so-called Domari language). Until 1948, in the ancient city of Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, there was an Arabic-speaking Dom community whose members took part in street theater and circus performances. They became the subject of the play "The Gypsies of Jaffa" (Hebrew: הצוענים של יפו‎), the last of which was written by Nissim Aloni, the famous Israeli playwright. The play has come to be considered a classic of Israeli theater. Like many Jaffa Arabs, most of this community left the city due to the call of neighboring Arab countries. The descendants of the community are believed [ Who?], now live in the Gaza Strip, and it is unknown to what extent they still maintain a separate Domari identity. Another Dom community is known to exist in East Jerusalem, whose members hold Jordanian citizenship; in Israel they have the status of permanent residents, their nationality is defined as “Arabs”. In total, the community house in Israel numbers about two hundred families, most of them from the Bab al Huta area, in East Jerusalem near the Lion Gate. Members of the community live in very poor conditions: most of them are unemployed and live only on benefits from Israeli social security, they have no education, and some of them cannot read or write. The birth rate among the Domari is high, they marry at an early age and only to members of their community, including relatives (in an effort to avoid assimilation and dissolution), so some of the children suffer from hereditary diseases, defects or are disabled. In October 1999, Amun Slim founded the non-profit organization Domari: The Gypsy Society of Jerusalem to protect the name of the community. ,

In October 2012, the head of the Roma quarter of East Jerusalem appealed to the mayor of the capital, Nir Barkat, with a request for assistance in obtaining Israeli citizenship for his compatriots. According to him, the Roma are much closer in their views to Jews than to Arabs: they love Israel, and their children would like to serve in the IDF. According to a community leader, Israeli Roma have practically forgotten their language and speak Arabic, while Palestinians and Israeli Arabs consider the Roma to be “second-class” people.

Gypsies in North Africa

North Africa is home to the Kale Gypsies, also known as the Andalusian Gypsies, and Dom. Film director Tony Gatlif is a Kale originally from Algeria. The Calais of North Africa are nicknamed “Moors” in the gypsy world and often use it themselves (for example, both Tony Gatlif and Joaquin Cortes, whose father is from North Africa, call themselves “Moor” or “half-Moor”).

Gypsies in Canada and the USA

Gypsies in Latin America

The first documented mention of the presence of gypsies (Kale) in Latin America (in the Caribbean) dates back to 1539. The first gypsies were exiled there against their will, but subsequently Spanish Calais and Portuguese Calons (groups related to each other) began to move in small groups to Latin America in search of a better life.

The largest wave of resettlement of European gypsies to Latin America occurred in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. The most noticeable part of the settlers were the Kelderars, among the remaining gypsies we can mention the Lovars, Ludars, as well as groups of Balkan gypsies known collectively as Khorakhane. Both Kale and Calons continued to move to America.

Among all the gypsies of Latin America, running a small business selling cars is very popular.

Gypsies in the Caucasus countries

Roma in different countries are characterized by uneven development of areas of high culture. Thus, the majority of gypsy artists are natives of Hungary, the most developed musical culture among the gypsies of Russia, Hungary, Romania, Spain, the Balkan countries, gypsy literature is currently more developed in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine and Russia, acting art - in Russia, Ukraine , Slovakia. Circus art - in the countries of South America.

With all the diversity of gypsy culture among different ethnic groups, one can note a similar system of values ​​and perception of the world.

Gypsy "large" ethnic groups

There are six main branches of gypsies. Three Western:

• Roma, main territory of residence - the countries of the former USSR, Western and Eastern Europe. These include Russian gypsies (self-name Russian Roma).
• Sinti, living primarily in German-speaking and French-speaking countries in Europe.
• Iberian (Gypsies), living mainly in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

And three eastern ones:

• Lyuli, main territory of residence - Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan.
• Scrap (known mainly as bosha or posha), living in the Caucasus and northern Turkey.
• Home living in Arabic-speaking countries and Israel.

There are also “small” gypsy groups that are difficult to attribute to any specific branch of the gypsies, such as the British Kales and Romanichels, the Scandinavian Kales, the Balkan Horakhanes, and the Arkhangelsk Tsygobites.

In Europe, there are a number of ethnic groups similar in lifestyle to the Gypsies, but of a different origin - in particular, Irish Travelers, Central European Yenish. Local authorities tend to view them as a subset of Roma, rather than as a separate ethnic group.

The image of gypsies in world artistic culture

Gypsies in world literature

• Notre Dame Cathedral - novel by V. Hugo France
• Ice House - novel by A. Lazhechnikov Russia
• The Living Corpse - play by L. N. Tolstoy Russia
• The Enchanted Wanderer - a novel by Nikolai Leskov Russia
• Olesya - story, Alexander Kuprin Russia
• Pharaoh's tribe - essay, Alexander Kuprin Russia
• Cactus - story by Afanasy Fet Russia
• Nedopyuskin and Tchertopkhanov - I. Turgenev Russia
• Carmen - short story by Prosper Merimee France
• The Stars of Eger - a novel by Geza Gordoni Hungary
• Makar Chudra, Old Woman Izergil - stories by M. Gorky Russia
• Gypsy Aza - play by A. Staritsky Ukraine
• Gypsy - M. Cervantes Spain
• Gypsy Romancero - collection of poems by Federico Garcia Lorca Spain
• The Pipe - a story by Yuri Nagibin USSR
• Gypsy - story, novel by Anatoly Kalinin USSR
• Gypsy Lady - novel by S. Busby USA
• Losing Weight - novel by S. King USA

Many famous poets also devoted cycles of poems and individual works to the gypsy theme: G. Derzhavin, A. Apukhtin, A. Blok, Apollon Grigoriev, N. M. Yazykov, E. Asadov and many others.

Songs about gypsies

• Slavich Moroz: “Gypsy Love” ( Video , video)
• Vysotsky: “Gypsy with cards, the road is long...” ( Video)
• “Fortune Teller” - song from the movie “Ah, vaudeville, vaudeville...”
• “Gypsy Choir” - Alla Pugacheva
• “Valenki” - Lidia Ruslanova
• “Gypsy Wedding” - Tamara Gverdtsiteli ( Video)
• “Shaggy Bumblebee” - song from the movie “Cruel Romance” based on poems by R. Kipling
• "The Gipsy" and "A Gipsy's Kiss" - Deep Purple
• "Gypsy" - Mercyful Fate
• "Hijo de la luna" - Mecano
• "Gypsy" - Black Sabbath
• "Gypsy" - Dio
• "Cry Of The Gypsy" - Dokken
• "Zigeunerpack" - Landser
• "Gypsy In Me" - Stratovarius
• "Gitano Soy" - Gipsy Kings
• "Ocean Gypsy" - Blackmore's Night
• "Electro Gypsy" - Savlonic
• "Gypsy/Gitana" - Shakira
• "Gypsy" - Uriah Heep
• "Gypsy Boots" - Aerosmith
• "Gypsy Road" - Cinderella
• "Gypsy Nazi" - S.E.X. Department
• "Gypsy" - Ektomorf
• "Cigany" - Ektomorf
• "Gipsy King" - Patrick Wolf
• "Hometown Gypsy" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
• "Gypsy Blues" - Night Snipers
• "The camp goes into the sky" - Calvados

Films about gypsies

• "Guardian Angel", Yugoslavia (1986), director Goran Paskaljevic
• "Run, gypsy!"
• "Snatch" directed by Guy Ritchie
• “Time of the Gypsies”, Yugoslavia, director Emir Kusturica
• “Gadzho (film)”, 1992, Director: Dmitry Svetozarov Russia
• “Sinful Apostles of Love” (1995), director Dufunya Vishnevsky Russia
• “Drama in a camp of gypsies near Moscow” - Khanzhonkov’s workshop 1908, director Vladimir Siversen Russia
• “Yesenia”, (Spanish: Yesenia; Mexico, 1971) directed by Alfred B. Crevenna
• “Hare over the Abyss” 2006, director Tigran Keosayan Russia
• “Carmelita” 2005, directors Rauf Kubaev, Yuri Popovich Russia
• “Cassandra”, Genre: TV series, melodrama Production: Venezuela, R.C.T.V. Year of release: 1992 Screenplay: Delia Fiallo
• “King of the Gypsies” - directed by Frank Pearson (1978) USA
• “Lăutari”, director Emil Loteanu USSR
• “The Last Camp”, (1935) Directors: Evgeny Shneider, Moses Goldblat, USSR
• “On my own” (gym. Korkoro, 2009) - drama film directed by Tony Gatlif.
• “Feather Buyers”, 1967, Yugoslavia, (Serbian: Skupljaci perja), director Alexander Petrovich
• “Strange Stranger” (1997) Gadjo Dilo Gadjo Dilo, directed by Tony Gatlif
• “The Camp Goes to Heaven”, director Emil Loteanu USSR
• “Difficult Happiness” - Director Alexander Stolper. 1958

According to linguistic and genetic studies, the ancestors of the Roma left India in a group of about 1,000 people. The time of migration of the ancestors of the Roma from India is not precisely established, as is the number of migration waves. But it is known that the padishah from India gave 1000 people as a token of gratitude to the Shah of Persia. Various researchers approximately determine the outcome of the so-called “proto-Gypsy” groups in the 6th-10th centuries AD. e. According to the most popular version, based on an analysis of loanwords in the languages ​​of the Roma, the ancestors of modern Roma spent about 400 years in Persia before the Roma branch moved west into the territory of Byzantium. They were the ancestors of European gypsies: Roma, Kale, Sinti, Manush. Some migrants remained in the Middle East. There is an opinion that another branch passed to Palestine and through it to Egypt.

As for the so-called Central Asian gypsies, or Lyuli, then they, as is sometimes figuratively said, are cousins ​​or even second cousins ​​of the European gypsies. Thus, the Central Asian gypsy population, having absorbed various streams of migrants from Punjab (including Baloch groups) over the centuries, has historically been heterogeneous.

The Gypsies of Europe are descendants of the Gypsies who lived in Byzantium. Documents indicate that the gypsies lived both in the center of the empire and on its outskirts, and there most of these gypsies converted to Christianity. In Byzantium, the gypsies quickly integrated into society. In a number of places, their leaders were given certain privileges. Written references to the Gypsies from this period are sparse, but they do not seem to suggest that the Gypsies attracted any special interest or were perceived as a marginal or criminal group. Gypsies are mentioned as metalworkers, horse harness makers, saddlers, fortune tellers (in Byzantium this was a common profession), trainers (in the earliest sources - snake charmers, and only in later sources - bear trainers). At the same time, the most common crafts, apparently, were still artistic and blacksmithing; entire villages of gypsy blacksmiths are mentioned.

With the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, the gypsies began to migrate to Europe. The first to arrive in Europe, judging by written European sources, were marginal, adventurously minded representatives of the people who were engaged in begging, fortune telling and petty theft, which marked the beginning of a negative perception of the Gypsies as a people among Europeans. And only after some time, artists, trainers, artisans, and horse dealers began to arrive.

The earliest Russian official document mentioning gypsies dates back to 1733 - Anna Ioannovna’s decree on new taxes for the maintenance of the army:
In addition, for the maintenance of these regiments, determine taxes from the gypsies, both in Little Russia and in the Sloboda regiments and in the Great Russian cities and districts assigned to the Sloboda regiments, and for this collection, identify a special person, since the gypsies are not included in the census . On this occasion, the report of Lieutenant General Prince Shakhovsky explained, among other things, that it was impossible to include gypsies in the census because they do not live in courtyards.

World Gypsy Day - 04/08/1971.

On April 8, 1971, the first World Gypsy Congress took place in London. The result of the congress was the recognition of the gypsies of the world as a single non-territorial nation and the adoption of national symbols: a flag and an anthem based on the folk song “Djelem, Djelem.” Instead of a coat of arms, gypsies use a number of recognizable symbols: a wagon wheel, a horseshoe, a deck of cards. Such symbols are usually decorated with Gypsy books, newspapers, magazines and websites, and one of these symbols is usually included in the logos of events dedicated to Gypsy culture.
In honor of the First World Gypsy Congress, April 8 is considered Gypsy Day. Some gypsies have a custom associated with it: in the evening, at a certain time, they carry a lighted candle along the street.

Gypsies are a people without a state. For a long time they were considered to have come from Egypt and were called the “pharaoh’s tribe,” but recent research disproves this. In Russia, the gypsies have created a real cult of their music.

Why are gypsies “gypsies”?

Gypsies don't call themselves that. Their most common self-name for gypsies is “Roma”. Most likely, this is the influence of the life of the gypsies in Byzantium, which received this name only after its fall. Before that, it was considered part of Roman civilization. The common “Romale” is the vocative case of the ethnonym “Roma”.

Gypsies also call themselves Sinti, Kale, Manush (“people”).

Other peoples call Gypsies very differently. In England they are called gypsies (from Egyptians - “Egyptians”), in Spain - gitanos, in France - bohemiens (“Bohemians”, “Czechs” or tsiganes (from Greek - τσιγγάνοι, “zingani”), Jews call gypsies צוענים (tso 'anim), from the name of the biblical province of Zoan in Ancient Egypt.

The word “gypsies”, familiar to the Russian ear, conventionally goes back to the Greek word “atsingani” (αθίγγανος, ατσίγγανος), which means “untouchable”. This term first appears in the “Life of George of Athos,” written in the 11th century. “Conventionally,” because in this book “untouchables” is the name given to one of the heretical sects of that time. This means that it is impossible to say with certainty that the book is specifically about gypsies.

Where did the gypsies come from?

In the Middle Ages, Gypsies in Europe were considered Egyptians. The word Gitanes itself is a derivative of the Egyptian. There were two Egypts in the Middle Ages: upper and lower. The gypsies were so nicknamed, obviously, by the name of the upper one, which was located in the Peloponnese region, where their migration came from. Belonging to the cults of lower Egypt is visible in the life of even modern gypsies.

Tarot cards, which are considered the last surviving fragment of the cult of the Egyptian god Thoth, were brought to Europe by the gypsies. In addition, the gypsies brought the art of embalming the dead from Egypt.

Of course, there were gypsies in Egypt. The route from upper Egypt was probably the main route of their migration. However, modern genetic research has proven that gypsies do not come from Egypt, but from India.

The Indian tradition has been preserved in Gypsy culture in the form of practices for working with consciousness. The mechanisms of meditation and gypsy hypnosis are largely similar; gypsies are good animal trainers, just like Hindus. In addition, gypsies are characterized by syncretism of spiritual beliefs - one of the features of current Indian culture.

The first gypsies in Russia

The first gypsies (serva groups) in the Russian Empire appeared in the 17th century on the territory of Ukraine.

The first mention of gypsies in Russian history occurs in 1733, in Anna Ioannovna’s document on new taxes in the army:

“In addition, for the maintenance of these regiments, determine taxes from the gypsies, both in Little Russia and in the Sloboda regiments and in the Great Russian cities and districts assigned to the Sloboda regiments, and for this collection, identify a special person, since the gypsies are not included in the census written."

The next mention of Gypsies in Russian historical documents occurs in the same year. According to this document, the Gypsies of Ingermanland were allowed to trade horses, since they “proved themselves to be natives here” (that is, they had lived here for more than a generation).

A further increase in the Gypsy contingent in Russia came with the expansion of its territories. When part of Poland was annexed to the Russian Empire, “Polish Roma” appeared in Russia, when Bessarabia was annexed - Moldavian Gypsies, after Crimea was annexed - Crimean Gypsies. It must be understood that the Roma are not a mono-ethnic community, therefore the migration of different Roma ethnic groups took place in different ways.

On equal terms

In the Russian Empire, Gypsies were treated quite friendly. On December 21, 1783, a Decree of Catherine II was issued, classifying the Gypsies as a peasant class. Taxes began to be collected from them. However, no special measures were taken to force the enslavement of the Roma. Moreover, they were allowed to be assigned to any class except nobles.

Already in the Senate decree of 1800 it is said that in some provinces “gypsies became merchants and townspeople.”

Over time, settled gypsies began to appear in Russia, some of them managed to acquire considerable wealth. Thus, in Ufa lived a gypsy merchant Sanko Arbuzov, who successfully traded horses and had a good, spacious house. His daughter Masha went to school and studied French. And Sanko Arbuzov was not alone.

In Russia, the musical and performing culture of the Roma is appreciated. Already in 1774, Count Orlov-Chesmenky summoned the first gypsy choir to Moscow, which later grew into a choir and marked the beginning of professional gypsy performance in the Russian Empire.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the serf gypsy choirs were freed and continued their independent activities in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gypsy music was an unusually fashionable genre, and the Gypsies themselves were often assimilated among the Russian nobility - quite famous people married Gypsy girls. Suffice it to recall Leo Tolstoy’s uncle Fyodor Ivanovich Tolstoy the American.

Gypsies also helped Russians during wars. In the War of 1812, Gypsy communities donated large sums of money to support the army, supplied the best horses for the cavalry, and Gypsy youth went to serve in the Uhlan regiments.

By the end of the 19th century, not only Ukrainian, Moldavian, Polish, Russian and Crimean gypsies lived in the Russian Empire, but also Lyuli, Karachi and Bosha (since the annexation of the Caucasus and Central Asia), and at the beginning of the 20th century they migrated from Austria-Hungary and Romania lovari and kolderar.

Currently, the number of European gypsies, according to various estimates, ranges from 8 million to 10-12 million people. There were officially 175.3 thousand people in the USSR (1970 census). According to the 2010 census, about 220 thousand Roma live in Russia.