Gypsy is a lifestyle that has been around for hundreds of years. Due to their dark skin and appearance, most people assume that Gypsies originate from Egypt, hence the name they were given. This however is not true. Gypsies actually originated in India and migrated to eastern Europe around the 14th century.
The habits of Gypsies has pretty well stayed the same from the early 14th century, throughout the 18th century and onward to modern times. Originally, Gypsies were not accepted in some places, such as Austria during the Ottoman Empire. However over time, and with a change of leadership, Gypsies were allowed into Austrian territory to roam freely. Many viewed Gypsies to be magical due to their ways of life. They traveled regularly, made fires and danced and sung around them.
Aside from their artistic influence, however, Europeans looked down upon Gypsies and considered them to be mischievous thieves. This is for good reason. Gypsies for the most part kept to themselves an would use tricks to lure in white Europeans coming up with clever ways to take their money. Even in Wuthering Heights, Gypsies are considered dirty and the Earnshaw family is surprised that Mr. Earnshaw would bring a Gypsy boy home with him.
Although the Gypsy lifestyle has been altered from its roots in some cases, for example for reality TV shows, true European Gypsies have stayed more or less the same. Modern day Gypsies are still known for their artistic influence as well as their tricks. While on a trip to Europe, my family and I ran into Gypsies in Ireland. They tried various tricks to get us to give them money. One trick included throwing a baby doll at us, making us catch it all in hopes to distract and swindle us. Their attempts were not successful however it was a very interesting experience.
Its clear that although times have changed, the heart of the Gypsy spirit has stayed the same. From their humble beginnings, through the world wars and all the way to modern day TV personalities, the Gypsy lifestyle has stayed the same.
The habits of Gypsies has pretty well stayed the same from the early 14th century, throughout the 18th century and onward to modern times. Originally, Gypsies were not accepted in some places, such as Austria during the Ottoman Empire. However over time, and with a change of leadership, Gypsies were allowed into Austrian territory to roam freely. Many viewed Gypsies to be magical due to their ways of life. They traveled regularly, made fires and danced and sung around them.
Aside from their artistic influence, however, Europeans looked down upon Gypsies and considered them to be mischievous thieves. This is for good reason. Gypsies for the most part kept to themselves an would use tricks to lure in white Europeans coming up with clever ways to take their money. Even in Wuthering Heights, Gypsies are considered dirty and the Earnshaw family is surprised that Mr. Earnshaw would bring a Gypsy boy home with him.
Although the Gypsy lifestyle has been altered from its roots in some cases, for example for reality TV shows, true European Gypsies have stayed more or less the same. Modern day Gypsies are still known for their artistic influence as well as their tricks. While on a trip to Europe, my family and I ran into Gypsies in Ireland. They tried various tricks to get us to give them money. One trick included throwing a baby doll at us, making us catch it all in hopes to distract and swindle us. Their attempts were not successful however it was a very interesting experience.
Its clear that although times have changed, the heart of the Gypsy spirit has stayed the same. From their humble beginnings, through the world wars and all the way to modern day TV personalities, the Gypsy lifestyle has stayed the same.