General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Looks like Maria will be back in the loving arms of her family soon [View all]leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)I have gotten a ways into one book that was written by a sociologist who grew up around the Roma and then went on to study them. Their culture is a closed one but it is just fascinating. It's ancient and in many ways resembles the ultraorthodox Jews. It is fascinating.
Their marriage laws are ancient. They came from India and were an untouchable class there. They found their niche as entertainers and muscians. But they left India hundreds of year's ago. But their culture is very like the ancient Indian culture they came from.
I never really thought about it, I guess. But the gypsies have a very complex culture.
But, they do have child brides - after the girls menses begin - so 13 or 14. By our standards that is too young. But in their traditions it is normal.