Post by Saviya on Mar 12, 2004 17:24:47 GMT -5
When discussing Romani culture one has to first ask "what sort of Gypsy?". Kalderash, Machavaya, Lovari, Churari, Romanichal, Gitanoes (Calé), Sinti, Rudari, Manush, Boyash, Ungaritza, Luri, Bashaldé, Romungro or Xoraxai?
The dispersal of the travellers around Europe and the effects of persecution (becoming inconspicuous) have meant that some original customs and traditions have been lost or at have least changed so much as to bear little resemblance to those practiced by their ancestors.
There are a few customs a dancer should bear in mind though...
1) The lower half of a woman's body is regarded as marime or unclean. This is a somewhat strange concept to many western women but there is actually sense to it. If you hit a man with your skirt he is regarded as unclean and can only be made clean again by a judicial process!
2) A women cannot walk in front of or between two men without asking them to "turn away".
3) Married women wear a 'diklo' or headscarf.
4) Exposing one's legs is a very serious offence.
More to follow soon...
The dispersal of the travellers around Europe and the effects of persecution (becoming inconspicuous) have meant that some original customs and traditions have been lost or at have least changed so much as to bear little resemblance to those practiced by their ancestors.
There are a few customs a dancer should bear in mind though...
1) The lower half of a woman's body is regarded as marime or unclean. This is a somewhat strange concept to many western women but there is actually sense to it. If you hit a man with your skirt he is regarded as unclean and can only be made clean again by a judicial process!
2) A women cannot walk in front of or between two men without asking them to "turn away".
3) Married women wear a 'diklo' or headscarf.
4) Exposing one's legs is a very serious offence.
More to follow soon...
