I’m a gypsy & we have strict rules… boys can’t date my daughter without permission, no matter her age & that’s the start

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.

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.”

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.

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.

“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.” 

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.” 

A third commented: “This is so interesting learning about other cultures.” 

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