Bohemian Ideals vs. Gypsy Ideals
While the origins of the bohemian culture and the gypsy--or Romani--culture lie in medieval India, these historic sub-culture designations have become synonymous with modern-day ideals for the bohemian and the gypsy styles of living.
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Geography
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The French first recognized bohemian ideals in the 19th century. At this time, they did not differentiate between bohemians and gypsies, but included all migrants from Bohemia--the modern-day Czech Republic. French bohemians were artists living in the low-rent districts and practicing such ideals as freedom from societal norms, frugality and poverty for art's sake.
Differentiation
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Our society recognizes gypsy ideals as a nomadic lifestyle, reflecting the migrant aspect of historic Romani peoples, and extended family solidarity.
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Misconceptions
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The bohemian ideal of individual self-expression through art is not a gypsy ideal. In addition, the bohemian trait of living contrary to society's norms--freedom of self-expression--is unlike the gypsy ideal of maintaining family and cultural ties.
Considerations
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While the gypsy tradition includes a rich musical heritage which has spawned many professional musicians, bohemian art tends toward counter-cultural themes and unconventional expression.
Famous Ties
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Actor Yul Brenner and actress Tracey Ullman are of Romani (gypsy) extraction. Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Toulouse-Letrec were bohemian artists.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Nicholas Kenrick
