Romani Passing of Age Rituals
As in most civilised social systems, there are formalities that need to be upheld to mark various passings of age and employ a form of order in our societies. The following is a list of some of the rituals and ceremonies that mark important seasons in the lives of our Vlax-Kalderashi natsia (a Romani nation).
These rituals naturally change and adapt over time to suit our ever changing societies, but the Romany essence remains the same. For example, a generation ago, the adult age status was changed from 13 years of age to 20 years of age. Can you imagine the difficulties of having 13 year old boys and girls marrying in this day and age? Yikes!
Let’s start from the beginning and move along through the passing of age rituals from there:
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Conceiving Celebration – Everyone is happy when a child is conceived. This is enough reason for everyone to hold a ceremony and celebrate. Everyone in the clan is aware now of the Romni (Gypsy woman) who is going through changes and may need special attention.
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3 Weeks before Birth Ceremony – In the past, much more than modern days, there was a high birth mortality rate. During this time the Clan came together to bless the mother and child that everything may go okay. Those of us who are aware also know that during this time is when our spirit guides or angels come to us. You could say that some of us believe that it is during this time that we truly become wholly (if not holy) human.
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3 Days After Birth Ceremony – This is the Naming Day. Naming days are special moments in our lives. After every naming ceremony is completed in the child’s life, the child may end up with three or more names. Here are some names we may receive, 1. the Social Name which everyone will know us by, and that is written in the birth certificate, 2. Clan Name which the Clan knows the child by and is usually kept privy from outsiders (but I have noticed that young people these days don’t care if others know their clan name, including myself), 3. Spirit Name which is their divine name used in spiritual rituals and by which the Spirit realm knows the child by.
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3 Weeks After Birth Celebration – Ear Piercing Ceremony. The ear piercing is a traditional celebration that marks the child as our own. Both males and females are pierced. Usually the Naming Ceremony is conjoined with the Piercing Ceremony.
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6 Months Old Ceremony – Celebrate the fact that the child has survived through a difficult time in their lives (also more appropriate to celebrate in the past when child mortality rate was higher – today the celebrations continue in honour of life).
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12 Months Old Ceremony – Celebrate the birth of the child. Like most people do.
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12 Months and 3 Days Ceremony – Child is dressed up in the best clothes the parents can offer. Usually special clothes are made for this occassion. The child is brought before the Krisatora and the entire Clan. During the ceremony:
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It’s decided what the child’s Clan Name will be.
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Each Clan member (from the youngest to the oldest) welcomes and accepts the child into the Clan. Note: it is not as if the child is not already welcome or accepted – remember these are rituals which celebrate and/or honour what already is or will be.
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After the ceremony a celebration is made in honour of keeping the child in the Spirit’s good graces to ensure that they live a prosperous and fulfilled life.
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I hope that these customs have interested you, inspired you, or just appeased your curiosity. If you have any questions, please let me know.
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Tags: ceremony, customs, traditions
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