TRAVELLER TRAD
I’m a gypsy & we have strict rules… boys can’t date my daughter without permission, no matter her age & that’s the start
Scroll down to find out more about the differences between gypsies and travellers
A TRAVELLER girl has revealed the strict rules that her family follows - including the ritual they abide by when someone in the community dies.
Heidi McDonagh Clee, a traveller and mum-of-two, who recently revealed that she chooses who her children hang out with, has now shared the superstitions that she believes in.
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Posting on social media, Heidi shared the “gypsy rules” in her home, leaving many totally stunned.
Heidi, who is an Irish traveller, explained that her beliefs differ slightly to her husband, who is an English gypsy, as she claimed: “Not every gypsy or traveller does these things, it depends on individual people”.
The mother explained that not only must men ask permission to date her daughter, but her kids must call elders in the community ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle’.
Opening up about her traveller traditions, Heidi said: “Here’s some rules that we have in my English Gypsy/Traveller blended household.”
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DATING
When it comes to her daughter dating, which is also known as courting in the community, Heidi explained that men must ask permission beforehand.
Heidi revealed: “My husband is very specific. If she’s courting, he wants the boy to come in to ask permission to court.
“For me personally, it isn’t going to be that much of a big deal but for my husband, he has to come back to ask to court her.”
RESPECT
As well as this, Heidi explained that people will call elders ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle’ as a sign of respect.
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She added: “Another thing is to call people aunt and uncle because they’re older than you.
“My husband does it, whenever he’s talking to someone, whether he’s known them all his life or he’s just met them, he automatically calls them uncle or aunt.
I’m a gypsy & there’s strict rules about how me and my man behave in public
“The children do it as well - they will call people aunts and uncles, even if they’re not their aunts and uncles.”
RITUAL
Finally, Heidi shared the gypsy tradition that occurs when someone dies.
The mother continued: “If somebody dies on my husband’s side of the family, the whole house doesn’t eat meat until that person is buried.
“They’ll cook lots of vegetables and pastas and things like that.”
Differences between a gypsy and a traveller
Typically, Gypsies is a term used to describe Romani people, who migrated to Europe from India.
Meanwhile, traveller refers to a group of people who usually have either Irish, Scottish or English heritage.
While many English gypsy girls are allowed to drink alcohol and go on holiday with their friends before they get married, many Irish traveller girls are not allowed to do this.
Generally, both gypsies and travellers will share the same morals.
SOCIAL MEDIA USERS REACT
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 18,400 views in less than 24 hours.
This is so interesting
TikTok user
Social media users were quick to flock to the comments, praising Heidi for opening up about her culture.
One person said: “This is so interesting to learn about, thank you.”
Another added: “Very well said Heidi.”
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A third commented: “This is so interesting learning about other cultures.”
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