As someone who is some small percentage Gypsy (my mother swears we're Russian from the Caucasus mountains), I'm more than a little bit fascinated by Gypsy culture. I've watched the UK version of "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" and have been blown away by the elaborate wedding ceremonies Gypsy families participate in, passing off their often very young daughters into marriage. Gypsy communities seem to be tightly knit and in some ways highly traditional (despite the short skirts that many of the young women wear to their friend's weddings, Gypsy girls are expected to remain very, very chaste until marriage.)
Gypsies aren't just a European phenomenon, either. A new TLC series documents the similar Gypsy culture in the U.S. -- a people who also fight against immense prejudice and stereotypes, who love fiercely and who really seem to love a big, froofry, extravagant wedding dress. Check out the show on Sunday nights at 10 pm EST, and check out some of the girl's wild dresses here.
Related Photo Galleries
