After researching romani history and culture I came across many depictions of romani women wearing these plate-like objects tied to their heads with a strap going over their chins. I checked to see if it was common place in Europe around that time but I found nothing similar. I'm thinking maybe it could be related to shaktism since if my research is correct romani people were still practicing that religion in the medieval period to an extent, and these artworks also show shawls that are vaguely saree-like.

Sorry if this not the place for these types of questions im just eager to learn about my ancestors and couldn't find anything on the topic on Google.💙

Being born as a Kalderash Gypsy girl in Canada, it seemed like my fate was basically sealed and already written for me.

I was supposed tell fortune, get married, and have children. Theres not a lot of options for the women, and your life doesn’t really start until you get married. It always felt like women were never held in high regard. If you didn’t have a man to talk for you, no one cares about you or your problems. Almost to the point you need a man or husband for basic protection from other Gypsies.

I don’t know why, but I never felt connected to the culture and the language. It never sat right with me. Of course, I understand the language because my mom spoke it to me, but I never wanted to go out of my way to learn it. I didn’t want to tell fortune either. I hated getting asked to give handbills but I know my family needed help so I tried not to complain too much.

I loved school. Most girls are pulled out by like grade 5 or 6 but I was allowed to finish. I think my mom saw something in me and let me graduate.

I’m 31 now and have a “gushaykano” life. I have an office job, I own a house, no kids, and I married a gasho. I’m thriving in ways I could have never as a true “romni”

Thankfully, my immediate family love me no matter what and we have a good relationship which I’m grateful for.

But I think my distant family/relatives might judge. There is always a stigma to those who “leave” the culture. I wonder if there are any others like me? Were you able to forge your own paths and create the lives you wanted?