Beyond Borders: The beauty and wisdom of the Romani flag

Let's dive into some symbolism on International Romani Day

In the 1970s, the Romani adopted an official flag, representing the heavens, the earth, and a 16-spoked mandala. They don’t believe God belongs to them or that the land belongs to them. However, they do feel that they belong to the Sky and the Earth, as equals to any other living being.

The Sky and the earth and us

Flags are not just a symbol of national identity. Throughout history, they have been used to mark territory. You set foot on a piece of land, you pitch a flag, and now this piece of land is yours. The next person who sets foot there is now an invader.

When the Romani traveled as Nomads throughout West Asia, the Balkans, and Europe, the lands were already carved out and claimed. The Romani would often set up temporary camps, which usually meant hostile visits by the local police, before they set out on the road again; either by force or by their own free will. The Romani were usually seen as foreign, “exotic,” unpredictable, loud, and dangerous by the settled communities they …