Travelers include the Romani or Roma (Gypsies), Irish tinkers (who are quite separate and distinct from Gypsies), hobos, and other nomadic and homeless peoples.
The Roma originated in northern India, being driven out of that area by a succession of invading armies in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Thousands of these people moved westward and, over the centuries, dispersed across Europe, Asia, and eventually all around the world. By the fourteenth century they were in Rumania and Yugoslavia; by the beginning of the fifteenth century they had reached England. With their dark coloring and bright clothing, many believed them to be descendants of the ancient Egyptians and, in fact, came to call them Egyptians. This then was shortened to Gyptians, and, finally, to Gypsies.
From the start the Roma were constantly moving on; no country wanted to be overwhelmed by the itinerants. They were prosecuted, persecuted, banished, and constantly abused. Yet they survived. They made their living as best they could, living by their wits and, for survival, taking advantage of the weaknesses of their persecutors. To help avoid persecution, the Roma would adopt the religion of the local people, outwardly practicing it while inwardly continuing their own Pagan beliefs.
The Irish tinkers were itinerant Travelers who already existed before the arrival of the true Roma. They were nomads who made a living by performing a variety of trades, including peddling, tin-smithing, and horse-trading. Their language is known as Cant, while the Roma language is Romanes. There has, however, been an adoption of various words, one into the other, over the years; Romanes words appear in Cant, and Cant words in Romanes.
There is often a blending of the signs and symbols used by Travelers since, for example, hobos have picked up a lot of the Gypsy sign language. These signs, often scrawled in chalk or scratched with a stone outside a dwelling, are left to advise others of the reception that might be expected at the house. The signs may be left for Gypsies selling wares, by hobos begging handouts, and/or by tinkers selling services.
Warning Signs
Owner has a gun
Dishonest person
Dangerous dog
Unsafe
Be prepared to defend yourself
You will be beaten
Afraid
All right; Okay
Doubtful
Don’t give up
Cautionary Signs
Keep quiet
Well-guarded house
Dog
Halt
Go
Judge lives here
Kindhearted woman
Woman alone
Cautionary Signs (continued)
Gentleman
Officer
Jail
Information Signs
Telephone
Railroad
Trolley
You may camp here
Information Signs (continued)
Safe camp
Tell pitiful story
These people will care for you if sick
Religious people
Very good
In
Out
Spoiled
Information Signs (continued)
Nothing
Here
Wealthy person
Doctor lives here
Here are some other signs and symbols used by the Romani on talismans and magical items and as decoration:
Wheel, for wealth
Horseshoe, for luck
Seven-pointed star, for long life and protection
Health
Love
Protection
Power
Along with these actual marked signs, the Roma employ what is known as patrin. This is another form of sign language, usually used when traveling to indicate the path taken by a leading individual or group. At a crossroads, for example, a tuft of grass may be tied into a knot alongside the road taken. Stones may be moved to form a pattern, or simply an arrow, to indicate a direction. Branches, or the twigs of bushes, may be broken or bent to give an indication of where a forward group has gone, or other information such as the time of day that spot was passed. From the latter, the following group would know how far ahead the leading individual or group was likely to be.