Gypsy Treasures!

About the Romani People or Gypsies.

I have been fascinated with this nomadic group of people since I was young, not only because of their ability to travel, adapt, to be in deep contact with nature and freedom but because I always felt like I had a little gypsy in me. I come from a very diverse background. I was born in Costa Rica, some of my ancestors immigrated from Spain, some from Germany and some where completely native. And finally, I did travel too and move away from Costa Rica in my Life Journey. I learned about what's happening in Europe with The Gypsies and what seems to be the efforts of powerful people to simply make their life's difficult or to eradicate their culture.

Please note that my opinion may not be that of the sources gathered here.

Wikipedia: The Romani (also Romany, Romanies, Romanis, Roma or Roms; exonym: Gypsy; Romani: Romane or Rromane, depending on the dialect) are an ethnic group living mostly in Europe, who trace their origins to the Indian Subcontinent. The Romani are widely dispersed, with their largest concentrated populations in Europe, especially the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe and Anatolia, followed by the Iberian Kale in Southwestern Europe and Southern France. Deported to Brazil by Portugal during the colonial era [16] and via more recent migrations, some people have gone to the Americas[17] and, to a lesser extent, other parts of the world. Full report can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people

Meaning of Gypsy according to the Online Urban Dictionary

If you follow the link you will see other meanings that carry a lot of controversy most of them related to Irish Gypsies, it seems that there's a generalization of what a Gypsy is and they mention that they steal and do uncivilized things. I believe that every culture has good and bad, I like to think there's more GOOD than bad in our World and that it's harsh to generalize in any way.

1. A person from Romani descent. An ethnic race with origins from India. They are an often persecuted and hated people among outsiders or gadji (Romani term for non-Romani) due to the immense prejudice and derogatory stereo-types believed by most people. 2. A person whom chooses to travel, and does not possess permanent residence or stability. This term is often referred to anyone practicing such a lifestyle regardless of ethnicity or background. 3. Something that is in character, ownership, or pertaining to the Romani. (ie: This is a gypsy dance; my gypsy friend is funny; you have a gypsy sense of style)

The Current Life of European Gypsies

FRANCE

NPR can give us a clear idea of what's happening with Gypsies through Europe, I have learned so many things through National Public Radio and also the BBC News Channel, great sources to be connected with what's happening locally and globally.

The Roma minority known as Gypsies, unfortunately are used to discrimination and violent attacks...follow the link for the full NPR report

This portion of the report, move me deeply...please read along

"Her husband died a while ago, and she worked very hard to raise her daughter alone", "She lived for her daughter". Sometimes I walk past her house now, and I keep thinking, why isn't she calling my name and inviting me in, as usual?" Virag Lakatos about his neighbor Maria who was a victim of a firearm attack while sleeping in her home.

Gypsies in France

By blogger friend Solymone, follow his blogging post here

http://egagah.blogspot.com/2010/09/12000-people-in-french-to-protest.html

Report by The Christian Science Monitor(photo below belongs to the report)

France presses Gypsies to settle down

"The French government has increased pressure on Gypsies like those occupying this illegal camp near Nantes". By Stephane Mahe/Reuters

Gypsy Treasures - Art with meaning

As you may have noticed by now, most of my creations always have a meaning. Whether they bloomed while I was meditating about a social crisis or because of my dreams of a better future for all. Therefore, this necklace is dedicated to the Gypsies, their legacy and their struggles. They have given many treasures to humanity and I thank them for that. In my humble opinion, violence is never the solution to any problem, dialogue, understanding, appreciation of our differences, and the search for solutions in which there are win-win situations is the key. My thoughts are with you Virag, I'm sure you miss your hardworking neighbor Maria who was kind to invite you in often... I imagine them drinking a cup of coffee or tea and conversing about their life experiences.

I pray that Life will get better and that new and improved opportunities will come along for our Gypsy Friends in Europe and all along the Globe!

"Gypsy Treasures can bloom because I believe that we can learn from every culture and everyone in the World. I believe we were placed in this Earth to love and to evolve.".

XOXO,

Claudia