Preserving traditional personal names

Among some Gypsy ethnic groups, the first name given to a child remains forever a secret. Tradition has it that this name is whispered by the mother, the only person who knows it, at the time of birth, and that it is never used again. The purpose of this secret name is to confuse the supernatural spirits by keeping the real identity of the child from them. The second name is a Roma name, the one used among the Roma themselves. The third name is given at a second baptism that takes place according to the dominant religion of the country in which the child is born.

1. Names of Gypsies in Slovakia often imitate actors from commercial movies and soaps, like Rambo, Van Damme and Bruce Lee, Winnetou, Ribanna or Sandokan.

1. Upholding traditions

1. Restricting through social practices
2. Rejuvenating community through supportive family patterns
3. Preserving community knowledge

1. Reorienting traditional Gypsy occupations
2. Preserving religious tradition

1. Having flexible cultural patterns

1. Providing alternative to traditionalism

1. Restrictive social practices
2. Restrictive patterns of tradition-bound lifestyle