52 Ancestors - Frederick Mason: A Life Steeped in Romani Traditions

This week's theme in our "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" challenge is "Cultural Traditions," and it's hard to imagine a group with more peculiar, unique, and often misunderstood cultural practices than the Romani Travellers. These nomadic people, often referred to as Gypsies (though this term is considered pejorative by many), have maintained a distinct way of life for centuries, preserving their traditions despite constant movement and frequent discrimination. Their rich tapestry of customs, beliefs, and social norms offers a fascinating glimpse into a culture that has remained largely separate from mainstream society. In exploring the life of Frederick Mason, a Romani band leader who made his way from England to America in the mid-19th century, we'll uncover the depth and complexity of Romani cultural traditions and how they shaped the lives of individuals like Fred and his family.

Frederick Mason, born around 1840 in England, was a prominent Romani band leader who embodied the rich cultural traditions of his people. As a Romani Traveller, Frederick's life was deeply intertwined with the customs, beliefs, and practices that defined his community.

 The Journey to America

In 1860, at the age of 20, Frederick embarked on a life-changing journey, sailing from London to New York aboard the ship Victoria. This migration was part of a larger wave of Romani people seeking new opportunities in America while striving to maintain their unique way of life.

 Life on the Road

As a band leader, Frederick led his group through the American Midwest, traveling by wagon from Minnesota to Iowa. This nomadic lifestyle was central to Romani culture, allowing them to maintain their traditions while adapting to the economic opportunities of the expanding American frontier.

 Cleanliness and Purity

One of the most striking aspects of Romani culture that Frederick and his family would have adhered to was the concept of ritual purity, known as "marime". This belief system dictated many aspects of daily life, from personal hygiene to social interactions. For Frederick and his family, maintaining cleanliness was not just about physical hygiene, but also spiritual purity. They would have followed strict rules about washing, with separate basins for different body parts and purposes. Clothes for the upper and lower body would have been washed separately, and women's and men's clothing would never have been mixed. Can you imagine being on the road all your life and adhering to such cleanliness rituals? The Romani Travellers probably could have taught the cowboys a thing or two about staying clean on the dusty trails. Their ability to maintain such high standards of hygiene while constantly moving is a testament to the importance of these practices in their culture.

 Family Life and Marriage

In 1880, Frederick was documented in Minneapolis, Minnesota, listed as Fred Meyers, age 40, married and head of household. This name variation was common among Romani families, who often adapted their names to local circumstances.

Marriage in Romani society was a crucial institution, often arranged and seen as a way to strengthen family ties. Frederick's daughter Rachel's marriage to Wm Wise in Howard, Iowa, on June 9, 1881, would have been a significant event, possibly involving elaborate celebrations and rituals. Though I can't help but wonder if her second marriage to Jerry Roe was met with the same exuberant celebrations as he was an outsider. Though it appears he had left home and was on his own before he married her, he was not a Traveller before their marriage.

Marriages between Romani and non-Romani individuals (known as "gadjo" or "country people") were often viewed with skepticism and could face significant challenges. If a Roma male married a non-Roma woman, his community might eventually accept her, provided she adopted the Romani way of life. However, it was considered a more serious violation of the "marimé" code (rules of ritual purity) for a Roma woman to marry a non-Roma man. This was because Roma women were seen as the guarantors for the survival of the population.

In cases of mixed marriages, many tribes would only consider the children to be Roma if the father was Roma. The marriage of Rachel to Jerry Roe, a non-Traveller, might have been met with resistance or disapproval from the community. It's possible that Jerry may have had to adapt to the Romani way of life to gain acceptance, or the couple may have faced some degree of ostracism, which may explain why Jerry and Rachel eventually settled on a reservation in Oklahoma.

However, it's important to note that practices could vary between different Roma groups and individuals. Some communities might have been more accepting of outsiders, especially if the non-Roma spouse was willing to embrace Romani customs and traditions. The acceptance of such marriages often depended on the specific family and community involved, as well as the couple's commitment to maintaining Romani cultural practices.

 Superstitions and Beliefs

As a Romani leader, Frederick would have been well-versed in the superstitions and beliefs of his people. Romani culture placed great importance on supernatural powers, including the use of curses (amria) and healing rituals.

Frederick might have carried good luck charms or amulets for protection against bad luck (bibaxt) and supernatural spirits (muló). The family may have relied on traditional remedies for illnesses, such as using herbs (drab) or carrying specific animal parts for healing purposes.

 Birth and Death Traditions

When children were born into Frederick's band, the event would have been surrounded by specific rituals. Childbirth was considered "impure" and had to occur outside the dwelling place, with the mother considered "impure" for 40 days afterward.

Frederick passed away in 1903 and was laid to rest in Chariton Cemetery, Lucas County, Iowa. Death in Romani culture was also surrounded by specific traditions, with dead bodies considered marime (impure). The funeral would have been a significant event, bringing together the extended family and community.

 Preserving Traditions in a New World

Throughout his life, Frederick Mason navigated the complex task of preserving Romani traditions while adapting to life in America. As a band leader, he would have played a crucial role in maintaining cultural practices, passing them down to younger generations, and negotiating relationships with non-Romani communities.

Frederick Mason's life story offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the Romani people. From their strict hygiene practices to their deep-rooted superstitions and family-centered way of life, the Romani Travellers maintained a unique identity even as they made their way in a new land. Frederick's journey from England to the American Midwest, and his role as a community leader, exemplify the resilience and adaptability of the Romani people in preserving their cultural heritage across continents and generations.

 Sources

 General Romani Culture and Traditions:

1. The Gypsy Lore Society: https://www.gypsyloresociety.org

2. Romani Customs and Traditions: Marriage: https://rozvitok.org/en/romani-customs-and-traditions-marriage/

3. European Roma Rights Centre: How to Talk about This to the 'Outside'?: https://www.errc.org/roma-rights-journal/how-to-talk-about-this-to-the-outside

4. Romani Marriage Traditions to Blossom into a Full Family: https://comm220horchar.wordpress.com/romani-marriage-traditions-to-blossom-into-a-full-family/

5. European Roma Rights Centre: Romani women in Romani and majority societies: https://www.errc.org/roma-rights-journal/romani-women-in-romani-and-majority-societies

6. The Sky and Earth Know: Untethered Together: The unofficial and unscripted nature of Roma marriages: https://www.theskyandearthknow.com/p/untethered-together-the-unofficial

7. European Roma Rights Centre: Gadjo Nation – Roma Nation?: https://www.errc.org/cikk.php?cikk=2655

8. Journal of the Gypsy Lore Society archives: https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/serial?id=jgypsylore

9. The Gypsy Lore Society: Romani Studies: https://www.gypsyloresociety.org/gypsy-lore-society-publications/romani-studies

 Frederick Mason's WikiTree Profile:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Mason-27949

Using the following list of records:

1. "New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957", The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC, USA; Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897; Microfilm Serial or NAID: M237; RG Title: Records of the U.S. Customs Service; RG: 36. Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 7488 2135530. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951211?h=2135530. Accessed 29 October 2024.

2. "1880 United States Federal Census", Year: 1880; Census Place: Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota; Roll: 622; Page: 500b; Enumeration District: 254. Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 6742 33126429. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951213?h=33126429. Accessed 29 October 2024.

3. "Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1948", Iowa Department of Public Health; Des Moines, Iowa; Iowa Marriage Records, 1880–1922; Record Type: Marriage; Volume Number: 303 (Howard - Louisa). Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 8823 1353492763. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951215?h=1353492763. Accessed 29 October 2024.

4. "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007", Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 610374241. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951217?h=610374241. Accessed 29 October 2024.

5. "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007", Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 613767845. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951219?h=613767845. Accessed 29 October 2024.

6. "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007", Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 612369600. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29951221?h=612369600. Accessed 29 October 2024.

7. "U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current", Memorial ID 50764913. Find A Grave: Memorial 50764913. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50764913. Ancestry Record 60525 17546755. Accessed 29 October 2024.

8. Bhabha, Jacqueline; Fuller, Arlan; Matache, Margareta; Maternowska, Carrie; Spears, Whitney; Secaira, Mariah; Leaning, Jennifer (2020). "Romani Realities in the United States: Breaking the Silence, Challenging the Stereotype." Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health. https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2464/2020/12/Romani-Realities.pdf. Accessed 29 October 2024.