Religion

There is no generally accepted religious belief for all Romanies. The oldest beliefs and rituals spring from the Hindu tradition, and we can still observe these in a modified form in various rites of passage. Nowadays, Romanies follow religious beliefs according to their own spiritual needs, most commonly Christianity or Islam. In the past, Romanies were often accused of atheism, which served as another excuse for their persecution.

According to historical sources, Gypsies took part in Christian religious pilgrimages as far back as the fifteenth century. Pilgrimages are nowadays the most visible mark of Romany religious activity. World famous are the pilgrimages to St Sara of Saint-Marie-de-la-Mer in Provence, France, and to Romeria del rocio in Andalusia. Romany followers of Christianity ascribe special importance to the christening of infants, marriages in church, and church-managed funerals. These are important even for families which otherwise pay little attention to religious adherence. Christenings, weddings, and funerals are traditional gatherings of the extended family.