SOCIETY
Gypsy wedding, Holsworthy, Devon, c.1910
Gypsy courtship and weddings were once very different
from our own.
A typical Gypsy proposal method was the giving of a
coloured handkerchief. If worn by the lady the gentleman knew he was accepted.
Whereas today most marry in church or registry office, traditionally a Gypsy
wedding took place in the open-air in front of witnesses, the couple simply
joining hands, or, more interestingly, jumping over a broomstick hand in hand.
After the death of a Gypsy a number of customs would
have traditionally been followed by the deceased’s relatives.
During the period between death and burial the family
would usually fast whilst several would hold a candlelit vigil beside the
coffin. The coffin might also have been left open to allow visitors to view the
body. In preparation for burial certain personal items belonging to the deceased
were usually placed in the coffin with them. Clothes, jewellery, walking-sticks
and small sums of money were typical.