What religion are the Gypsies and how unusual their faith

Century Gypsies live next to us, but we know less about them than about the Indians of the Amazon. For example, if you ask passers-by about the religion professed by the people, most confidently say that Gypsies Gentiles, and someone else to clarify that the fire-worshippers. Once, centuries ago, it was, but today everything has changed. So, what gods believe modern Gypsies?

In the modern world of Gypsies profess the religion of the people, near which I live. It may be different currents of Christianity, Islam or Buddhism. In Israel, there are even Gypsies and Jews, however, very few of them. But in spite of belonging to completely traditional religions, Gypsies are always adding something of their own.

Orthodox Gypsies revered as patron Saint Nikola and St. George and it's not particularly original. But the part of the people who joined the Catholic, chose as its patron blessed Ceferino, and... some of Sara Kali.

Gypsy Saint was by birth an Egyptian, because many Roma still believe that they are the descendants of the pharaohs. It was when Mary Magdalene and the virgin Mary maid, and once rescued women during a storm in the open sea, where they traveled by boat.

What did the two Mary and Sarah in the sea and where they were going exactly known but Sarah Cali helped them to find their way to the shore, guided by the stars. There is another version, according to which Sarah was the first Christian among the Gypsies, who baptized the righteous followers of Christ and a witness to his martyrdom.

In France, in the seaside town of Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer, there is a cave temple Sara Kali, in which stands a statue of her. Every year on 25 may, the day honoring a Saint, it carried out several times and dipped in the sea, which symbolizes the rite of Baptism. Once the non-Roma people nationality to enter the sanctuary Sara Kali was forbidden, but since 1912, to worship the Holy charm everyone. Her "swimming" in the sea every spring attracts hundreds of tourists from different corners of the world.

Gypsies living on the territory of Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe, mostly Orthodox. It may seem strange, but most of the representatives of the people are very pious. Houses settled Roma you will almost always see "red corner" as in the pre-revolutionary peasant huts. It has the iconostasis with images, candles and lamps, to whom praying the whole family.

Gypsy couples can register their relationship in the registry office, but the wedding ceremony for the newlyweds required. Important only "Gypsy wedding" before the Church ceremony — without it, the marriage will not be recognized by the Gypsy community. The main holidays of Orthodox Gypsies are Christmas and Easter.

But few Gypsies-Christians from Turkey consider to be a major holiday Hydrides, which is celebrated in the night from 5 to 6 may. Balkan representatives of the people have the same holiday — Ederlezi. They are both dedicated to St. George.

Russian Gypsies-Vlachs never miss a day of rejoicing — the day of commemoration of the dead. This celebration of women and children go to the cemetery, where the begging of the visitors. Do this not only poor, but also representatives of wealthy families. That begging has religious meaning, with the help of Gypsies in helping others to fulfill their Christian duty.

Roma, Muslim, are somewhat different from ordinary Muslims. Their women almost never cover the face, while men without circumcision of the foreskin.

Gypsies have a Christian there are many legends and parables religious direction. One of them says that God has allowed Gypsies to steal, as once they had Christ service. When Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, I passed by Gypsies and stole one of the nails, a little postponing thus his death. This myth originated, most likely, the Balkans, Gypsies often used as an argument, when accusations of theft and fraud.