Romany

Romanies include English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Travellers and those who live on a permanent site. Those in transit and travellers who are settled in houses, although relinquishing their nomadic lifestyle, do not lose their ethnic identity.
Many people of Romany origin are Christians.

Romanies do not believe in washing clothes in the same bowl in which vegetables or food are prepared. A separate bowl is kept for washing face and hands etc. Many feel it is unclean to do otherwise.
From the age of eleven people of Romany origin do not like undressing in front of others (out of modesty). In addition they prefer to keep feet and legs covered, it is considered rude to do otherwise.
Older Romany people will not wash their hair, it is clean from its own natural process, aided by the use of hedgehog oil.
Patients may wish to see a Chaplain and/or request a Bible.
Travellers, irrespective of religion, do not agree with abortion other than on medical grounds.

Family and friends of travellers, from around the country, will want and need to see and be with the person before they die. This often means there will be large numbers of people visiting.
After death the family will request that the person be laid out in clothing of their choice.
Family and friends will often place items of importance to the deceased in the coffin e.g. jewellery, photographs etc.
The family will also want to take the person back with them the day before the funeral and will sit up all night with them allowing others to pay their last respects.
Burial is preferred since the majority of Romanies do not believe in cremation, although cremation is not forbidden.
There are no religious or cultural objections to the giving or receiving of blood or organs.