There is no one Gypsy people nor one Gypsy religion. Some other names used to refer to Gypsies are Cigano, Roma, Romani, Tsigani, Tzigane, and Zigeuner. All of these people share common folk beliefs, including those concerning the afterlife. Traditional Gypsy beliefs states that for one year after death the soul retraces its steps. During this year the soul maintains the body’s physical shape; therefore, the body must remain intact during this year. Touching the body after death is also discouraged for fear of contaminating the soul (Patrin Web Journal).


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