Traditions and customs

Gypsy families travelled the roads in small family groups, usually one wagon on its own, but sometimes two or three would travel together. They had their regular atchin tan, or stopping places, often in quiet grassy lanes, where they would meet up with family and friends. Children are the centre of family life and elders are well respected and cared for. Gypsy Traveller culture has very strict moral values and male and female roles are well defined.

Gypsy Traveller culture is built upon strict codes of cleanliness learnt over centuries of life on the road. Concepts such as mokadi and mahrime include strict guidelines. For example, dogs are not allowed in trailers or anywhere near plates or cutlery. Gypsy Travellers take great pride in their homes which are scrupulously clean. Many Gypsy Travellers collect china, especially Crown Derby, Aynsley and Minton and also Waterford Crystal. Current collecting trends include items from the Chanel and Dior brands.

Education
Historically, seasonal work and a travelling way of life meant children often did not receive formal schooling but boys were instructed in skills and crafts by their fathers and girls taught domestic skills by their mothers. Since the 1970s Britain has pioneered projects for Gypsy education, and had some 200 specialized teachers for Gypsy and other travelling children, though the number of teachers is diminishing due to economic cuts. Only a third of Gypsy children attend school regularly; those who do commonly encounter marked hostility.

Marriage Most Gypsies are married in Church or by registrar just like anyone else. To strengthen family and kinship ties marriage within and between families was common. However, today Gypsies will marry gorgers (non-Gypsies) and settle in the wider community but like to remain in groups close to friends and relatives.

Death
It is estimated that, on average, Gypsy and Irish Traveller women live 12 years less than women in the general population and Gypsy and Irish Traveller men ten years less than men in the general population.

Funerals are a very important rite of passage for the Gypsy Traveller community. When a Gypsy dies it is usual for a vigil to be kept over the body, which is kept illuminated until after the time of the funeral. The deceased is usually buried with the owner's intimate personal possessions such as jewellery and trinkets.

Some Gypsy funerals will attract people from all over the country to pay their respects and floral tributes are usually on a grand scale. Personal items belonging to the deceased such as clothing, bedding and china are usually burnt or destroyed after the funeral. Many years ago, the wagon was very often burnt as well, but this is rarely done today.