Gypsies: a minority at the crossroads
Gypsies: a minority at the crossroads
The Romany people, or as they are sometimes known, Gypsies, are a nomadic race which originated in India. Leaving the Indian subcontinent around 1000 A.D. they migrated westwards and are found today all over the world. It is estimated that they now number around eight million. During their history they have suffered much persecution as a minority group. In the 20th century many of them have settled down, but considerable numbers still travel like true nomads. On account of their nomadism and minority status, few have been able to benefit from educational opportunities. In recent years, however, much has been done to try to bring education and other social benefits to the Gypsies.
"Wanderers over all the earth" is how a young poet, E. Irving, started his poem about the Romany people, and it is certainly true today that Gypsies are to be found in many areas of the world. Wherever they have been in their long history, they have not failed to interest all manner of people from kings to peasants an interest stemming from both fear and enchantment.
But whatever has been the social or political response to these wandering people, there has always been a curiosity to know more about their customs and origins.