ROMA OLD BELIEFS (more detailed + what I found in recent times from among the narrations of the elders)

ROMA OLD BELIEFS (more detailed + what I found in recent times from among the narrations of the elders)

DEVEL/DEVLA/DEL/DEVL/DEIL
This word simply means "God".
But Romani views of this entity were originally (and partly still are) same like of the Param Brahman, also called Nirguna Brahman, i.e. entity which is beyond all descriptions and conceptualisations, it is described as a formlessness that eternally pervades everything, everywhere in the universe and what is beyond, and is unchangeable.
Closest Christian approximation to this concept are the Father or yet better the Holy Ghost, but it seems that the Roma never understood the difference between the Father and the Holy Ghost, which simply shows that it was beyond Romani concepts and that we were Christianised.

But also this word may be used for any personalised God, as we back in the Indian Subcontinent either followed only one sect within Dharma or simply over time came simplification with losing concepts (also some of the Dharmic philosophical concepts evolved after we left the Subcontinent and most of the concepts were underdeveloped).
I will give example, in Dharma is a concept Saguna Brahman, this entity is now with a form, identity and its purpose may change over time and can be presented by the particular personified/manifestated Bhagvaan, i.e. God, and among the Hindus is also referred simply as Deva (masculine god) or Devi (goddess).
For example Mahadev (literally translated as "The Big God", i.e. Shiva).
Closest Christian approximation is the Son.

OTHER DEITIES (manifestations of Devla)

O DEVLORO literally means "The Little God" is nowadays used mainly for Jesus, i.e. Christian concept known as "the Son".
Also it is probably a manifestation of the De(ve)l.
But it seems that early it may be used by Proto-Roma population for concept of Shiva, or some Gramdev (literally translates as "Village God", but may be simply God of the particular population).
Why I think it may be Shiva (even although called "The Big God" by mainstream Hinduism).
First of all he holds the Trishul in the hand, and Jesus is in Christian traditions often depicted on the Cross which in the early Roma looked similarly as Trishul and till nowadays we call the Cross as Trušul, and in one sub-dialect even Trišul.
Jesus also originally had for the Roma similar attributes as Shiva, - Herdsman (Jesus was an Shepherd), Patron of the Arts (Jesus was an Carpenter), Ascetic, Patron of the Medicine (Jesus was often seen as healer), Constructive Destroyer of the Universe (Jesus's second coming is simply destroying, but constructively to bring better World, same as Shiva is destroying the Universe constructively), Slayer of the Demons and their helpers (Jesus also will slay the Demons, including arch-Demon - Satanas, and their helpers, according to the Bible).

SARA LA KALI she originally was a goddess (Devľi) for the Roma, currently in Christianised form seen as a Saint and a Patron of the Roma People.
But has same (or very similar) attributes as Durga and Durga's manifestation Kali.
Durga is associated (among other) with the protection, she is representing the power of good over evil, and defeats the demons of any form.
Kali is associated (among other) as Durga's manifestation of wrath in fight against the demons and slays the wicked.
Pilgrimage rituals done in city of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are very similar to the Durga Puja. These rituals include taking the statue of Sara Kali to the sea, immersion of the statue into the sea and ritual (immersion) bath of the believers to get rid of the sins and being protected by Sara Kali.

MARIA (Christian mother of Jesus)
We have quite strong Maria's cult among the Roma, but what is under Christianised form?
We all know that especially in the Catholic Church is strong Maria's cult, many Roma live in the Catholic-majority countries and this Maria's cult allowed the Roma to preserve some of the original believes, although in Christianised form.
Maria is among the Roma seen as an symbol of protection of family, motherhood role, and also represents the mother's love, beauty, wisdom, devotion, harmony and a marital role of a wife. Also represents a power which will won over wickedness and evil sources. (Literally will beat the wicked person or demon).
These attributes has Hindu goddess Parvati, who is a goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love, beauty, devotion, and motherhood. She is a wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesh.
Some of the attributes has also Hindu goddess Saraswati, who is a goddess of knowledge, music, flowing water, abundance and wealth, art, speech, wisdom, and learning.
As well some of the attributes has Hindu goddess Chamunda (manifestation of Parvati) which fights against the evils and is offered wine in the worship service.

O KHAM (Sun) was worshipped by the Roma probably until 19th Century. O Kham was often asked to show best path to the Roma, as well was same as helper in fight against the darkness, including misfortune, he was seen also as someone who is helping curing diseases, and also was seen as visible representation of Devla.
Similar ideas were also in Hinduism about sun deity Surya and are retained in Smarta tradition and partly in Shakta tradition. In Hinduism is also depicted as White Horse, White Horses are commonly sacred (more than other horses) among the Roma.
Also among the Jain faith was Surya popular and Jainists prayed to him for guidance. Jain Solar Dynasty also seen Surya as their progenitor and Surya was their main deity.
The Roma also referred to Kham as to their protector and someone they come from (probably remnant of the belief in Atman - soul being a part of Brahman), probably influenced by the Hindu Smarta tradition where Surya is helping in realisation of Brahman.
Surya is also integral part of Hindu zodiac used for Jyotish (fortune-telling).

O ČHON (Moon) was probably venerated by the Roma until 19th Century, but his worship probably ceased in 18th Century or earlier, as there are not much mentions and even no folkloric depictions what role he had for the Roma.
In Hinduism is Chandra associated with night, plants and vegetation. He is revered as a fertility deity, presiding over pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. He is also believed to grant strength and provide relief to people plagued by severe challenges and health issues.

E PHUV (Earth) was probably venerated by the Roma until 19th Century, but more than veneration is known, although probably earlier was worshipped.
The Roma seen Earth as mother which provides to them.
In Hinduism is Bhumi/Bhudevi seen as daughter (manifestation) of Brahman and is in some way associated with Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, who is important in Shakta tradition.
More interesting (for me) is what role she has in Jainism where she is not a deity in the word of sense, yet she is important and is known under two names. The "Karma-Bhumi" is roughly translated as the "Earth of action’, this term is used in Jain cosmology for the lands in the Middle World where people must work to live, however, here they can progress on the path of salvation. Another one, “Bhogabhumi”, refers to worlds where everything is supplied by wishing-trees. These concepts highlight the importance of the Earth and the physical realm in Jain spiritual practices and beliefs.

O KALO ČIRIKLO/ČIRIKLORO (the Black Bird/the Black Little Bird)
Not exactly a deity. In the Roma beliefs and folk songs it is a bird which comes in time of death and asks for a soul to take from a body of someone who has to die.
In Hinduism is Śani Dev who is a dark-skin (black skin) and wears black robes and is a god of karma, justice and death among others, he uses the crow (black bird) as his vehicle.

NOTE: Even there is used among the Roma till today a call to God "Devlalé" which is plural, the Roma, same as Hindus see all manifestations of God as a part of the One God.

VENERATION OF THE TREES & WATER

Among the Roma in times of Iconoclasm and in 17th till 19th Centuries was reported that the Roma used the Tree as the sacred icon connecting to the God, as well as a Tub of Water.

O RUKH (the Tree)
This veneration has probably the roots in India,
probably directly from Adivasi (Autochtonous Old Inhabitants of Indian Subcontinent, who lived in the Subcontinent before arrival of the Dravidians and Aryans) beliefs.
Among the Adivasi tribe Santhals is the Faith known as Sarnaism (word Sarna means "Sacred grove", and Sarnaism is also referred as "Dharma of the Holy Woods", they worship God via worshipping of the Sal Trees, among other trees like for example Mahua, Neem or Banyan.
Trees hold high religious significance in Hinduism. Every tree has a tree deity, or a god/goddess, who is to be worshiped, respected, and given offerings. Some trees possess more importance than others such as those that have direct associations with principal deities. The Banyan tree and the Sandalwood tree are associated with the gods Shiva and Vishnu, respectively.
In Jainism, Jains believe plants, animals, and even some nonliving things (like air and water) have souls, just as humans do. The principle of nonviolence includes doing no harm to humans, plants, animals, and nature. The sacred fig tree is also venerated in Jain Dharma.

O PAŇI (the Water)
For the Roma it was sacred face of God, which also was able to reflect the image of the Sun or the Moon, i.e. other deities of the Romani pantheon, which were manifestations of the One God.
Water was also used in worship of the Tree, with pouring water onto the Tree, while speaking blessings of the God and asking God for help.
Water is also seen by the Roma, same as the Hindus as purifier and is able to wash sins out in sacred bath, either in Ganges (for Hindus) or in the Sea in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (for Roma, which I mentioned earlier with the connection to goddess Santa la Kali).

VENERATION OF THE DECEASED/ANCESTOR WORSHIP

Among the Roma is also veneration of the ancestors.
Usually you can see photos or paintings of ancestors being put in the "faith corner" of the house/cart among the holy icons and statues.
Also on the All-Saints evening, same as on Día de los Muertos in Mexico, the Roma go to the cemeteries, eat there, sing there, dance there, to make their ancestors feel remembered and to feel the ancestors. As well we light candles and place one extra plate on the window for the ancestral souls to eat.
We also believe that the ancestors can help us in paths of life, and we're trying not to make them angry, as they may come to the world of living people to attack/punish us. This was a reason why to the Roma after arrival to Christian countries it was quite a shock that some day will the deceased be resurrected.
Veneration and/or worship of the ancestors is a part of Hindu culture. There are even the places where the ancestors are venerated. Also is believed that good deeds of descendants can help the ancestors to attain better karma.
In Sarnaism (Santhal Adivasi Faith I mentioned earlier) is also veneration of the ancestors in time of festival Sarhul.

And here I continue with the MÚĽE (literally deceased, referred as Revenants).

The Muľe may be our ancestors, but also other deceased people who were not properly sent to the other world. They were either killed, or their family failed to make their souls satisfied, i.e. they failed Varta (Guard) we take for at least 4 days, or Paruniben/Praxomos (Funeral), or even did something other bad for which the alive relatives will get punished. Punishment by the Muľo may include death.
Also, Muľe may not be an ancestor of someone who meets a Muľo or is attacked by him.
Not all Muľe are behaving hostile.
Closest Hindu concepts are the Bhoot and the Preta.
The Bhoot is a supernatural creature, usually the ghost of a deceased person, in the popular culture, literature, and some ancient texts of the Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be perturbed and restless due to some factor that prevents them from moving on.
The Preta who are often considered the spirits of deceased individuals. They are believed to have been false, corrupted, compulsive, deceitful, jealous, or greedy people in a previous life. The concept of Preta started with the belief that it was the soul and ghost of a person once they died. In order to pass into the cycle of karmic reincarnation, the deceased’s family must engage in a variety of rituals and offerings to guide the suffering spirit into its next life. If the family does not engage in these funerary rites, which last for one year, the soul could remain suffering as a preta for the rest of eternity.
The Preta are described in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion as undergoing suffering greater than that of humans, particularly an extreme level of hunger and thirst.

EVIL POWERS/EVIL SPIRITS/DEMONS

BENGA (plural, nowadays known as Devils, originally Frogs) in current era o Beng is used for Christian Satan, but still also for other devilish powers which are not Christian.
Originally it was simply a word for FROGS, in Sanskrit "Vyang", and in some dialects especially of Awadh region it sounds as "Bang" or even "Beng".
Why frogs are evil according to the Roma?
Because they're seen as out of cosmic balance by the Roma, and everything out of cosmic balance is thus evil in traditional view of the Roma. This viewpoint is shared by some groups in India apparently, but it is not mainstream Hindu culture.

GUTA is among the Roma from Hungary and Slovakia, and it is a fearsome Hungarian demon who beats his victims to death, often associated with strokes, heart attacks, or sudden paralysis.
Closest Hindu (and Buddhist) concept is Pishacha, who are flesh-eating demons in Indian traditions. A Pishacha is a malevolent being that has often been referred to as the very manifestation of evil. Simply, we might just use word "Guta" to mean in reality Pishacha.

ŇECUXA are the evil ghosts/demons, these are not revenants, rather a set of various evil/unclean spirits which can harm people.
One can attract Ňecuxos by cutting nails after sunset, at night, or before sunrise. They bring bad luck, if not something more serious.
Closest Hindu concept is Vetala who is a class of beings in Hindu mythology. They are usually defined as a knowledgeable (fortune telling) paranormal entity said to be dwelling at charnel grounds. In Hindu folklore, the Vetala is an evil spirit who haunts cemeteries and takes demonic possession of corpses.
May be also Rakshasa, who are a race of shape-shifting beings prominently featured in Hindu traditions. They are usually malevolent, disrupting Vedic sacrifices or eating humans. However, there were both good and evil Rakshasas, and as warriors, they fought alongside the armies of both good and evil.

VAMPIRI (Vampires) although more European belief adopted by the Roma, probably back in Serbia, there is some similarity with the Vetala (the Vetala I mentioned earlier).
The Romani view of the Vampire is a mix from Serbian beliefs, with Indic apparently. From Serbian folklore comes that the Vampire mostly sucks blood. There is also belief among the Roma that exist Vampires who have "Two hearts", so they may live also at day and sun is not harming them, and they may feast on human flesh, similarly to Vetala. Although in Serbian folklore also exist Vampires who are not affected by sunlight, but they don't feast on human flesh, only blood.

GUĽI DAJ (literally Sweet Mother) is believed to be some sort of a demon, who takes an non-baptised child and exchanges it for a demonic child.
For protection of a child till baptism we use the Ľindraľoľi (about which I will tell below).
To make Guľi Daj to come back and return the real child we use(d) drastic methods. A mother was beating the child, may the Guľi Daj hears that child cry, to make her return a real child.
This concept probably comes from the Balkans.

WITCHCRAFT + TANTRA + FORTUNE-TELLING + HERBOLOGY

Among the Roma existed always tradition of a ČOHAŇI (Witch).
She was not always evil, she may also be a helper to the one who asked her for help. In general, every tabor ("Romani camp") or pero (village-like Romani Settlement) had such a witch.
Very similar concepts do exist in Dharmic traditions, as well folklore of the Indian Subcontinent.
In Hinduism, there isn’t a direct equivalent to the Western concept of a witch, same as in a case of Romani Čohaňi. However, there are references to supernatural practices and entities. The term “Daayan” or “Dakini” refers to a female paranormal entity from the netherworld, often associated with black magic.
The practice of Tantra, which can involve the use of mantras and rituals to invoke supernatural powers, is also recognized. These are also known as Tantrics among the people and Tantrics are not doing black magic. However, it’s important to note that these practices and entities are not universally accepted or practiced across all Hindu communities.
In Indian folklore, the concept of a “Daayan” or witch is often found, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. A Daayan is often portrayed as a woman practicing black magic, with her power primarily residing in her long plaited hair. However, these beliefs vary widely across different regions and communities.

Another one is a DRABARŇI (herb woman or fortune-teller).
She was often referred as Čohaňi.

Many times these two concepts overlap.

FORTUNE-TELLING is known to have deep roots in the Romani Culture. In some tribes, every Romani woman knows to DRABAREL.
You can see palmistry, as well as reading from the cards and fortune-telling from the dreams.
This comes from the cultures of the Indian Sub-Continent as well.
Fortune-telling in Hinduism often involves astrology and palmistry. Some fortune-tellers use parakeets to pick tarot-like cards.
Fortune-tellers might travel to villages to predict the future using various methods.
Dreams in Hinduism have myriad philosophical, spiritual, mystical, and religious connotations. It is same among the Roma.
In Buddhism, dreams are seen as a state of consciousness. The mind has the ability to transform and change its fate, so Buddhists need only be concerned with developing a wholesome mind.

HERBOLOGY is as well a part of the Romani Culture, which I mentioned above. It is done by the ČOHAŇA using herbs, and not only Čohaňi knows about use of herbs, also folk-healing traditions among the Roma know about herbs.
As for the herb use in the Dharmic traditions, it could be associated with Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses herbs for healing.

TANTRA may be seen in a way of the SOLAX (taking-oath).
Some folkloric Tantra traditions from the Indian Subcontinent seem as self-cursing, which is done also by the Roma, often using some words/sentences of totally opposite things, this is also from folkloric Tantric traditions.

SOME OF OTHER TRADITIONS CONNECTED TO BELIEFS

The Roma tie ĽINDRAĽOĽI (which is a red thread) on the wrist (a part of hand) of the newborn to protect it from the evil spirits and from the powers which were present in the world from which a baby comes from (probably remnant of the belief of reincarnation), and of course a protection from evil eye, as well as protection from Guľi daj (as I mentioned earlier).
Same thing is used in the Indian Subcontinent for very same reasons. One type is known as Kautuka (red-yellow thread) with same protection role as Ľindraľoľi.

Word for baptism used among the Roma is BOĽIPEN, from word BOLEL what literally means to IMMERSE and comes directly from Sanskrit. Immersion is a part of Shakti tradition (as I mentioned above) with roots in Durga Puja.
And for the Roma BOĽIPEN (Baptism) has deep reason to be protected by God against the evil powers/entities, as well against the evil eye or curses. Which is another proof of connection to Durga.

Among the Roma is believed that after baptism is the Ľindraľoľi not longer needed, as now baby is protected directly by the God.

SWASTIKA painting was probably 200 years ago among some tribes of Romania.
They were using to paint Swastika on their houses or carts as an protection symbol.
Swastha in Sanskrit means Health, same as in Romani Language is word Sastipen/Sastimo. We also use word Sasto in traditional greetings.
In Hinduism it signifies good luck, peace, prosperity, auspiciousness, and universal brotherhood. It is often used in religious rituals and is seen on temples, books, and walls of houses. The right-facing Swastika symbolizes the sun, prosperity, and good luck, while the left-facing Swastika symbolizes night or tantric aspects of Kali.
In Jainism, the Swastika symbolises the four states of existence: heavenly beings, human beings, hellish beings, and Tiryancha (sub human like flora or fauna). It represents the perpetual nature of the universe in the material world, where a creature is destined to one of those states based on their karma. It also represents the four columns of the Jain Sangha: sadhus, sadhvis, sravakas, and shravikas - monks, nuns, and female and male laymen.
In Jain Dharma Swastika is also on a flag of this spiritual path.
In Buddhism, the Swastika signifies auspiciousness and good fortune as well as the Buddha’s footprints and the Buddha’s heart. It symbolizes harmony, peace, and well-being. The left-facing variant of the Buddhist swastika sign bears the colors gold, yellow, or red.
In Indian Subcontinent’s Folklore, the Swastika is associated with prosperity, auspiciousness, and well-being. It is often used to mark the beginning of religious ceremonies, festivals, and even on doorways as a sign of positive energy and protection.

Swastika nowadays has bad reputation among the Roma, because German regime in times from 1933 till 1945 used very similar symbol known as Hakenkreuz (hooked-cross).

AHIMSA (Non-Violence > in Sanskrit) is close to the traditional beliefs of the Roma too, as the Roma were never killing or harming anyone unrighteously. (Nowadays it may change due to drug-addiction or/and loss of cultural norms, I speak on traditional viewpoint of the Roma)
Even many Roma tribes/"castes" used to steal, they often tried not to steal that much to not put their victim on the edge of survival.
Also, among the Roma those who do abuse (of any sort) are seen as demonic powers or possessed by the evil powers.
The Roma never used the death penalty, rather they banished the offender who grossly violated the Rom(an)ipen from the community.
Righteous fight against evil is allowed, as well righteous punishment which includes low-scale of physical violence (slaps, cutting of hairs) is allowed. Sometimes enormous-scale of violence is in the fights for honour of the community (tribe, clan or "caste"). To prevent violence and settle-problems the Roma have the Romaňi Kris (Romani Court, which is similar to India's Panchayaat), but the Krisakere Roma (courtmen of the Romaňi Kris) often either fail or even support violence, also nowadays power the Romaňi Kris is falling, and some tribes don't have it anymore, which is bad and sad.
Ahimsa in Hinduism is the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things. It requires that one not kill any animal life. However, Hindu scriptures have justified violence in certain contexts, such as when all attempts at peacemaking have failed. The Kshatriyas, the warrior caste, are often associated with the duty to fight in just wars.
While many Hindus are vegetarians due to the principle of Ahimsa, not all are. So those who are non-vegetarians often care to not make the animals suffer. The choice of diet can be influenced by various factors including regional customs, personal beliefs, and caste rules.
Also, there exists an animal sacrifice, it is practiced in some currents of Hinduism, particularly in Shaktism and certain folk traditions.

SACRED ANIMALS

As I mentioned earlier the GRAJA (Horses) are the sacred animals for the Roma, especially the white ones, which overlap with certain Dharmic traditions which I mentioned earlier.
Among the Roma is a big no-no to eat Horse meat, and those who eat horses are seen as outcasted.

Another one is GURUMŇA (Cows).
Yes, cows seem to be sacred for the Roma earlier in history, as some of the Roma don't eat cows, although they don't know the reason.
If we look on the reason for what the Hindus don't eat cows, we will understand. (PS, they're not gods)
In the folklore of the Indian subcontinent, cows are often seen as symbols of wealth, strength, and motherly love. They are considered gentle, nurturing creatures embodying qualities such as maternal love, selflessness, and gentleness. The cow is often associated with motherhood and represents the divine feminine energy or Shakti.
In Hinduism, the cow is seen as a symbol of wealth, strength, and motherly love. It is also associated with various deities, notably Shiva (whose steed is Nandi, a bull), Indra (closely associated with Kamadhenu, the wish-granting cow), and Krishna (a cowherd in his youth). The cow is considered a living symbol of Mother Earth. The respect for cattle is widespread but not universal.
In Jainism, the cow is seen as a symbol of Ahimsa, or nonviolence, and is to be treated with the utmost respect. The cow represents compassion and the principle of non-violence.