The untold Romani roots of Boho culture

Where did the widely celebrated Bohemian mindset and aesthetic come from?

When the wandering Romani entered the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 15th century, they weren’t chased away like most everywhere else. They were given a letter of protection, issued directly by the Holy Roman Emperor and Czech King, Zikmund.

The Romani kept this letter as they continued to travel into France, which is how and where they started being called “Bohemian.”

It’s as simple as that. At least the beginning of the story is.

What does boho mean?

The Kingdom of Bohemia had its own rich culture, which is still alive to this day within the Czech Republic. However, when we say “Bohemian” or “Boho” we don’t think of the historic Bohemian or Czech style.

The “Bohemian” label has stuck since the 15th century as a descriptor for some of the most prominent qualities of Roma culture: free-spiritedness, nomadism, artistic talent, music, rich colors. When the Romani entered France, they were met with the same hostility and racism as everywhere else in Europe. For several hundred years, they were pe…