GYPSY POPULATIONS
The Gypsy lineage came from ancient India where
the name “Gypsy” originated from the colloquial term "Little Egyptian". Throughout history, the Gypsy
lineages have largely influenced the indigenous and ethnic roots of many music cultures. The Gypsies are identified by
three primary populations from their original migrations:
(Domari) Eastern Gypsy-- Egypt and the Middle East
(Lomavren) Central Gypsy-- Armenia and eastern Turkey
(Romani) Western Gypsy-- Europe
The gypsies entered Western Europe from the Baltic and eastern European countries and claimed
sanctuary from somewhere
called “Little Egypt”
because they were serving penance as punishment for religious "crimes" in their homeland.
With their outlandish dress, customs and language, the governments of the time began legislating laws against the gypsy
tribes when they entered the British Isles in the 1400's.
Gypsies earliest history recordings of gypsies came from the 9th century where
they led a semi-nomadic life in India. Through the centuries gypsies were continually migrating largely to escape
all the wars and endless invasions and then living in a fully
nomadic lifestyle in response to the constant fighting that constantly pushed them west.
