The roots of gypsy culture must be sought in India . There are many elements in common with the Dravidian culture, civilization and languages, that is, the populations that, arriving in India before 3500 BC. C., settled in the Deccan and Panjab regions. In the Romani and Sinti culture many influences intersect; this town in fact has come into contact with many other towns, assuming in part their uses and customs. On this occasion, we focus on traditional gypsy clothing and clothing: everything you need to know
Gypsy traditional dress and clothing: everything you need to know
Among the common cultural elements in the gypsy ethnic group we have to point out the sense of independence, the role of life (more important than any value), the rejection of war, attention to children, paternal authority and the subordinate role of women and the love of music . Regarding their clothing, the gypsy people have a long tradition and history of costumes that have evolved over the centuries and that have allowed them to always distinguish themselves from the rest.
Gypsies wear clothing that reflects their religion, customs, and ethics. Many Gypsies, both men and women (but not children), treat upper body clothing separately from lower body clothing. Upper and lower body clothing is often washed separately as the lower body is considered “unclean” and it is desirable not to “contaminate” the upper body. The head in particular is protected against impurities . Hats worn by men and scarves worn by married women are kept away from any surface (such as the seat of a chair) or other clothing that touches the lower body. In addition, although these beliefs are no longer imposed as much, in the past men’s clothing was kept separate from women’s. On the other hand, custom also “requires” that women wear a skirt long enough to cover their legs to at least mid-calf. Items (such as tea towels) that are used with food also receive special attention to purity and are often used to cover the head.
Gypsy women’s headdresses
Influenced by the origin of the Indian dress, the women of the gypsy people dressed in striking clothes of multiple colors, but the influence and their passage through North Africa had a lot to do with the evolution of their headdresses made with a kind of Cross bands that consisted of a roll that was fitted on the head, then adorning the final result with new crossed ribbons.
Over time it was transformed, going from being a headdress that fit on the head to a kind of disk placed on top of it . In addition to having this particular headdress in the shape of a wheel, women also usually cover their heads with a band of cloth that is rolled up as if it were a turban or they simply wear the headscarf covering their heads.
Nor should we forget the knotted cloaks on one of the shoulders.
Gypsy men’s costume
On the other hand, in the case of men we also have to talk about a particular suit that allows them to distinguish themselves. In Don Quixote, the only character dressed as a gypsy who appeared in the play was identified by his costume.
This is usually a suit with a shirt and a jacket with pants that, depending on the country or area in which the gypsies live, can be more or less broad in its design. It is usually an elegant and eye-catching clothing but without losing its functionality and its hat cannot be missing either.
