Every now and then, gypsies come up in the old newspapers. Oftentimes, it is a negative report or sometimes something trifling. This account of how gypsies get a divorce is actually interesting, especially if you enjoy learning about old gypsy lore. Of course, this may also be just a pile of horse poop, tied into a good yarn. Reported in The Carbon Advocate on September 26, 1874.
A GYPSY DIVORCE
A camp of gypsies near Washington were visited by a reporter of the Republican and talked with Gitana, a gypsy maiden, we quote:
“We supposed you are human beings, and have to get divorced?”
“Sometimes, but it is a dreadful thing with us to get divorced. It causes grief and mourning, and blood has to be shed.”
“Well, pray tell us how you get divorced?”
“I know I am talking too much,” and the Gitana trembled as she spoke, but half a dozen bright silver quarters thrown into her lap seemed to give her assurance. “I know I am talking too much, but I’ll tell you. It is this way: When a man and his wife are to be separated it is done by the sacrifice of a horse.”
“One is picked out which is entirely sound and free from a bruise or even a scratch, and he is led out to the spot where the divorce is to take place, and exactly at 12 o’clock. The men cast lots for the one who shall kill the horse, and for this occasion he is the priest. The priest takes a long pole in his hand and walks around the horse several times, and in a loud voice praises his good qualities and names all the persons who have owned it.”
“The horse is then led into the tent of the woman who is to be divorced. If he kicks round and jumps about, the woman has been very bad: if he keeps quiet she has not been so bad. The priest then takes a large knife and stabs the horse to the heart, and when it is stretched out on the husband takes his place on one side of it and the wife on the other. They join hands across the horse, and repeat some sentences in the gypsy language. They then walk three times around the horse in opposite directions.”
“The last time, when at the head of the horse, they face each other and speak, and do the same thing at the tail. They again shake hands and separate, one going north and the other south. She never marries again, and has to wear a mourning veil, and big shoes on her feet. The heart of the horse is then taken out, roasted, sprinkled with brandy, and eaten by the husband and his friends. The horse is then buried on the spot. The husband can marry again. [Source]
