The “rules” and social norms we take for granted in mainstream society when it comes to big events start looking very restrictive and even a little petty if we compare them to how the Romani approach celebrations. theskyandearthknow.com/p/regal-or-rag…

The Romani believe the person who died is there during these vigils. It is him or her who decides how long the candle burns. Sometimes it burns down within an hour—other times: the entire night. If a beloved person visits it burns slow so they stay longer. theskyandearthknow.com/p/until-the-ca…

“To not have to think about it” is the rationale we use in mainstream culture when we delegate hard things, like funerals, to other people. But for the Romani, it is unthinkable to not be able to bury their loved ones with their own hands. theskyandearthknow.com/p/with-our-own…

On the evening of the 39th day after a death, the Romani light a candle for the final vigil before the soul leaves this world. A tray with raw white rice is prepared. After 3:00 AM, there is always a print. It means “I was here. I am now leaving.” theskyandearthknow.com/p/the-touch-of…

This Romani vow is an agreement to not close the gate between life and death just yet. When the grief is so big, you can choose to stay together with the soul of your loved one. “You died, but I will not be alive either, for a little bit.” theskyandearthknow.com/p/ill-mourn-yo…

The Romani are willing to go hungry for 2 days if it means they’re able to feed you now. To them, money is simply a tool. Like anything material, they don’t allow it to ever rise above what they value in their heart: fellow human beings. theskyandearthknow.com/p/how-the-roma…

Angela Rostas, a pregnant Romani mother of three, was murdered in a hate crime in Chênex, France. Since this article, the murderer has been arrested. The media has been very quiet. Please share her story & fundraising for her family. #AngelaRostas rroma.org/on-a-murder/

For most people who were raised in the superficial and alienating culture of the “civilized world,” the thought of other people finding out about the pain and problems you’re having triggers great shame. For the Romani, this exact thought brings relief. theskyandearthknow.com/p/the-romani-d…

When they sign a contract with a loan shark, the Romani are fully aware that their salary will all but disappear if they don’t pay back. This is the preferable scenario. The more common scenario involves threats and violence. theskyandearthknow.com/p/dancing-on-a…

The symbolism of the sky and earth in the Romani flag is very powerful. They do not claim the sky and earth as their possessions, but as their Gods, their mother and father, that from which they come, to which they will return, to which they belong. theskyandearthknow.com/p/the-beauty-a…

The Romani who first arrived in Europe still practiced Shaktism which is the worshipping of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism, or the worshipping of the female deity, which is still practiced widely all over India. theskyandearthknow.com/p/the-ancient-…

Even when they pose for pictures, the Romani are natural. No forced smiles. No specific angles to look more beautiful. Most of all, this is felt in their presence. The relaxed and magnetic presence of someone in complete comfort in their own skin. theskyandearthknow.com/p/the-romani-k…

It has to be ready before the children wake up. It has to be the very first thing they eat on St. George’s Day. So they know that in a few hours, a being this sweet and divine will be sacrificed for their health and the health of everyone they love. theskyandearthknow.com/p/rice-milk-an…

The cruel shame and sapped instinctuallity of mainstream culture are so, so plain to see once you step outside of it. But when it comes to breastfeeding, the lack of shame among the Romani is only one factor. theskyandearthknow.com/p/roma-breastf…

Cultures built around a Goddess, even a sometimes-angry Goddess like Kali, are not interested in hierarchies, authorities, taking other people’s territories. And they do not care about prestige and beating your own chest. theskyandearthknow.com/p/kali-sara-ho…

The musicians warm up and you hear the drums creating a rhythm in the background. A beat here, a beat there, it all engulfs you. Soon, the same people who are blowing up balloons and setting the tables will dance their souls out to these exact drums. theskyandearthknow.com/p/from-quiet-t…

What do you do when you get a minuscule paycheck after a month of back-breaking work and there is a casino in front of you promising real money? Do you risk one of the 7 notes that the ATM dishes out? theskyandearthknow.com/p/gambling-for…

Very honored to have this piece published by the amazing publication "An Injustice". medium.com/an-injustice/b…

Yesterday we launched our YouTube Channel for Romani songs translated into English. We re posting one song every day. Enjoy! youtu.be/UiScO7lYuLc?si…