Mo zhivoti | "My life"

by Liko Pleven

The father’s unconditional love. While mothers soothe pain, nurture, heal, hold, and nourish, fathers make their own contributions and sacrifices. Roma culture, which is still very close to more traditional roles gender roles at least in larger tribes, designates the woman to be Queen of the house and family, and the man to provide. In poverty-stricken communities, men often take unregimented low-pay jobs abroad, because they are still better paid than jobs at home, and spend months away from their loved ones so they can send money. Even if they don’t travel far away, Roma men throw themselves into back-breaking work until the day their health doesn’t allow it anymore. Their only satisfaction is when they have been able to secure a home for their children, pay for their weddings, and make sure their grandchildren are provided for. What they want in return is beautifully depicted in this song — only health for their children and the joy of watching them.

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