Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Gypsy/traveller History



Our concept also includes a gypsy/traveller feel so for historical influences I looked into the origins of this group of society. I wanted to get a real feel for their beginning of the gypsy tradition and the atmosphere they emulate on their travels.
Gypsies have been part of our society for many hundreds of years. They were originally believed to be Egyptians, which is where the name ‘Gypsy’ comes from. The idea that they came from Egypt was probably due to their dark complexion, exotic and colourful clothing and the fact that many groups arrived in Europe from the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.
However, the Romany language, which is a language unique to Gypsies throughout Europe and is still spoken today, originates from Sanskrit, one of the main root languages of humanity which evolved in the Indian subcontinent. Today, they are believed to have migrated from India through the Middle East, Eastern, Northern and Central Europe and the Mediterranean, eventually reaching England, Scotland and Wales. As they travelled across Europe, they brought with them music, dance, artistry, crafts and language which has become part of our everyday use and integral to our culture.
Within Britain the roads have thronged with travellers of various sorts over the centuries, even before Romanies arrived about 600 years ago. All types and descriptions of Travellers moved around looking for work; selling, buying, spreading the gospels. There has always probably been friction between nomads and the sedentary population - partly from competition for resources and partly from the inherent fear of the free by the settled population. - Emma

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