The Churi in Romani Tradition

 

In many Romani societies a Rom without a Churi is not considered complete and a boy or man would rather be dead than not having a Churi on him at all times. But not only that but amongst many groups the knife is quasi sacred and is venerated even. Why should this be so if, as the Gypsyologists claim, we are all but low caste pariahs originally. A similar attitude towards the blade (knife or sword) can be found amongst the Cossacks for instance. There a small boy has a small saber placed in the cradle with him and this is not unlike what is done amongst some of the Romani tribes. To me the veneration of the Churi amongst the majority of all Romani tribes and groups points to the fact that we were a warrior people and not a group or race of low caste pariahs. Many tribes and groups have also been bladesmiths and makers of churia and swords (scimitars) since time immemorial, and many have in fact been armorers to a variety of the European armies and Royal courts. Many of the knifemakers in Klingental, Solingen, Sheffield, Albacete and Toledo were Romani families - their names being legion - and some of those firms are still around and in the same business today. I know I still have not really answered why the Churi has such a significance in the Romani Culture and extending even into the Religion and to be honest I do not think I do have a real true answer to that except of what I think is the reason for this. But, obviously, to a warrior his sword was most important and the Churi was his back-up. His life depended on both blades and that is why he lavished love and care on sword and Churi alike. A chavo, at least amongst the People where I come from, would be presented with his very first Churi on his naming ceremony and fire baptism. From that time forward he would wear that Churi around his neck. This Churi would have been made for him by an older phrala or nebudho or a kako. When older, around three or four, the chavo would be given a larger Churi made for him by a Kako and with the age of five or six he would be taught to ker his own Churi for use and for sale.

 

I do know that that again does not answer as to the why there is such a love affair with the Churi going on amongst many of the Romani People. Maybe a reader has an idea he or she would like to share and contribute as what I have said above I about all that I can say with the exception that it is a fact that the Churi has an important place in Romani Tradition and that there must be a rational reason for it.

 

Veshengro