Ava Monroe
There are several legends about the Romani people and their involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. One legend suggests that a Romani blacksmith made the nails for the cross, and as a result, the Romani people were condemned to wander the earth forever. Another version of the story claims that a Romani stole one of the nails, thus saving Jesus from death and earning their people the moral right to steal when needed. These legends have been spread through oral tradition and artwork, with some paintings of the crucifixion from the time of the Romani people's arrival in Europe depicting only three nails instead of the traditional four.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the legend | Romani crucifixion legend |
| Origin | First recorded in an article by Dr. B. Bogisic on 'Die slavisirten Zigeuner in Montenegro' on May 25, 1874 |
| Story | A Romani blacksmith made the nails for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified |
| Variations | The laudatory version states that a Romani stole the fourth nail of the crucifixion to repair his cart; The condemnatory version states that as he made the nails to crucify Jesus Christ, the blacksmith and his kin were condemned to wander the earth and never settle |
| Other versions | A Gypsy boy steals the fourth nail, thereby saving Jesus from death and facilitating the resurrection; A woman stood by and whistled while she watched the nails for the Cross being forged; Two Jewish brothers, Schmul and Rom-Schmul, the former exulted at the Crucifixion, the latter tried to save Jesus and stole one of the four nails |
| Implications | God granted the Romani people the moral right to commit petty thefts; God granted the gypsies the freedom to travel the earth as well as the right to steal from non-Romanis without breaking the seventh commandment |
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What You'll Learn
The Romani crucifixion legend
The first version, often referred to as the "condemnatory" version, tells of a Romani blacksmith who was tasked with forging the nails for Jesus' cross. As a result of crafting the nails that would lead to Jesus' death, the legend states that the blacksmith and his descendants were cursed to wander the earth eternally, never finding a place to settle. This version of the legend has been interpreted as a condemnation of the Romani people, linking their nomadic lifestyle to a divine punishment.
The second version, known as the "laudatory" version, offers a different perspective. In this tale, the Romani blacksmith is instructed by God in a dream to create four nails but provide only three for the crucifixion. The fourth nail, intended for Jesus' heart, is withheld. As a result of this act of mercy, God grants the Romani people the freedom to travel and the moral right to commit petty thefts when necessary. This version of the legend serves as an explanation for the Romani people's nomadic lifestyle and their reputation for theft.
It is worth noting that variations of these legends exist, with some claiming that a Romani person stole one of the nails during the crucifixion, resulting in Jesus being crucified with only three nails. Others suggest that a golden nail, meant for Christ's head, was stolen by a Romani boy, thereby saving him from death and facilitating his resurrection.
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The transition from four nails to three in crucifixes
The exact number of nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ has been a matter of speculation for centuries. While some sources, including SS. Cyprian, Augustine, Gregory of Tours, Pope Innocent 555, Rufinus, Theodoret, and Ælfric, speak of four nails, others such as St. Gregory Nazianzen, Nonnus, and the author of the Ancren Riwle mention only three. This discrepancy has led to discussions and debates among scholars and theologians, with some considering the belief in three nails, known as Triclavianism, as heretical.
The Romani crucifixion legend has two versions. One condemns the Romani, stating that as a Romani blacksmith made the nails, they and their descendants were cursed to wander the earth forever. The other version, considered equally absurd by some, portrays a Romani person stealing the fourth nail to repair their cart, thus saving Jesus from being pierced in the heart. This version justifies the Romani people's "moral right" to commit petty thefts when necessary.
Adding to the complexity of this transition is the existence of Gypsy folk tales that offer alternative explanations. One tale from Alsace mentions two Jewish brothers, Schmul and Rom-Schmul. While Schmul rejoiced at the Crucifixion, Rom-Schmul tried to save Jesus and, failing that, stole one of the four nails. As a result, Jesus's feet were placed one over the other and fastened with a single nail. This tale, a counter-legend to the Gentile version, portrays Rom-Schmul as the founder of the Romani race and a convert to Christianity.
In conclusion, the transition from four nails to three in crucifixes during the 12th and 13th centuries remains a subject of intrigue and debate. The Byzantine Gypsy metallurgical monopoly theory and the various folk tales, including the Romani crucifixion legend and the story of the Jewish brothers, offer intriguing insights into the possible reasons behind this change.
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The origin of the myth
The Romani crucifixion legend is a story about a Romani blacksmith who made the nails for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. The myth has two versions. The condemnatory version states that the Romani blacksmith was condemned to wander the earth and never settle as punishment for making the nails that were used to crucify Jesus Christ. The second, more laudatory version, states that a Romani stole the fourth nail of the crucifixion to repair his cart, thus saving Jesus from death and facilitating the resurrection. This fourth nail was believed to be the one that would have pierced Jesus's heart.
The origin of this myth can be traced back to the Middle Ages, a time when the Romani people were known for their skills as blacksmiths and coppersmiths. During this period, there was a transition in the depiction of crucifixes, with earlier representations showing four nails being replaced by ones that showed only three. This change in artistic representation coincided with the arrival of the Romani people in Europe, leading to the association between the two.
The first version of the myth, which portrays the Romani blacksmith in a negative light, was likely influenced by the widespread discrimination and prejudice faced by the Romani people. They were often viewed with suspicion and blamed for various social issues, which resulted in their marginalization and persecution. This version of the story justifies their nomadic lifestyle and portrays them as cursed or punished for their involvement in the crucifixion.
The second version of the myth, on the other hand, portrays the Romani people in a more positive light. It suggests that by stealing the fourth nail, the Romani boy prevented Jesus from being pierced in the heart, thereby saving him from a more painful death and facilitating his resurrection. In return for this act, God granted the Romani people the freedom to travel and the right to steal without repercussions. This version of the story justifies their nomadic lifestyle as a blessing rather than a curse.
The variation in the number of nails used in the crucifixion has also been a subject of discussion among Christian scholars. While some early sources speak of three nails, others mention four. This discrepancy further contributed to the development of the myth, as it provided a basis for the idea that one of the nails was missing or stolen.
The Romani crucifixion legend has been a part of folk tales and oral traditions for centuries, with various adaptations and interpretations emerging over time. It has been a source of fascination for authors, researchers, and storytellers alike, often integrated into literature and popular culture, such as in the book "Stolen Gypsy" mentioned in the sources.
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The condemnation of the Romani people
The Romani people, or Gypsies, have long been the subject of various legends and tales, one of the most prominent being their alleged involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This legend has two main versions, one condemnatory and the other laudatory.
The first version, often referred to as the "condemnatory" tale, asserts that a Romani blacksmith made the nails for the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. As a result of this act, the blacksmith and all his descendants, the Romani people, were cursed to wander the earth forever, never settling in one place. This version of the story has been used to justify the persecution and marginalization of the Romani people throughout history. It first appeared in an article by Dr. B. Bogisic in 1874 and was later referenced by Du Cange and G. Georgeakis and Léon Pineau in the 19th century.
The second version of the legend takes a different approach and offers a more positive interpretation of the Romani people's actions. In this tale, a Romani person steals one of the four nails intended for the crucifixion, thereby preventing the piercing of Jesus's heart and facilitating his resurrection. As a reward for this act, God grants the Romani people the freedom to travel and the right to steal from non-Romani people to meet their needs. This version of the legend has been used to explain the Romani people's traditional nomadic lifestyle and their reputation for petty theft.
It is important to note that these legends are just that—stories with little basis in historical fact. As Damian Le Bas comments, "both stories are equally absurd, since Jesus was crucified long before the ancestors of today's Romanies ever left India." However, despite their lack of historical accuracy, these legends have had a significant impact on the perception and treatment of the Romani people, contributing to both their condemnation and, in some cases, their exaltation.
The Romani people have endured a long history of discrimination and persecution, often fueled by myths and misconceptions. While the legends surrounding the crucifixion nails may seem harmless, they have contributed to a broader narrative of otherness and curse associated with the Romani people. This has had tangible consequences, including social exclusion, discrimination, and even violence.
In conclusion, the condemnation of the Romani people, as exemplified by the crucifixion legend, is a complex and multifaceted issue. While the stories may vary in their specifics, they all contribute to a broader narrative of otherness and curse that has had very real consequences for the Romani community. It is important to approach these legends with a critical eye and to recognize the power they have held in shaping societal perceptions and treatment of the Romani people.
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The Gypsy counter-legend
The Romani people, or Gypsies, have a rich history of oral folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations. One such legend, known as the "Gypsy counter-legend," offers an intriguing narrative surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This legend has multiple variations but consistently revolves around the notion of a Gypsy blacksmith and the nails used in the crucifixion.
In one version of the legend, it is said that a Romani blacksmith was tasked with forging the nails for Jesus' cross. As a result of this act, the legend states that the blacksmith and his descendants were cursed to wander the earth eternally, never finding a place to settle. This version seems to be a condemnation of the Romani people, associating them with the tragic death of Jesus.
However, another version of the legend takes a more laudatory turn. In this telling, the Romani blacksmith is instructed by God in a dream to forge only three nails instead of the intended four. The fourth nail was meant to pierce Christ's heart, and by withholding it, the Romani people are granted certain privileges. According to the legend, God grants them the freedom to roam the earth and the moral right to commit petty thefts when necessary. This version of the legend provides a justification for the stereotype of Romani people as wanderers and their association with theft.
The legend also offers a possible explanation for the transition in artistic depictions of crucifixion during the 12th and 13th centuries. Initially, crucifixes often showed four nails, but eventually, the three-nail representation became more common. The legend suggests that if the Byzantine Gypsies held a metallurgical monopoly during this period, as some scholars propose, then the change to three nails in the crucifixes could have been influenced by the Gypsy counter-legend.
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Frequently asked questions
The Romani crucifixion legend is a story that a Romani blacksmith made the nails for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. There are two versions of the legend.
In the condemnatory version, the Romani blacksmith is condemned to wander the earth and never settle as he made the nails to crucify Jesus Christ. In the laudatory version, a Romani steals the fourth nail of the crucifixion, thereby saving Jesus from death and facilitating the resurrection.
The transition from four nails to three in crucifixes occurred during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This change was possibly influenced by the arrival of the Gypsies in Europe and their skill as blacksmiths and coppersmiths.
