Romani Gypsy Bride Kidnapping ritual

Romani Gypsy tribes, which are one of the oldest cultures that have translated into the modem world, have some intriguing customs. Known for their unique wandering lifestyle and strong fighting tradition, Romani Gypsies are quite proud of their tough and industrious heritage.

As per Romani Gypsy traditions, if a single man kidnaps any girl and is able to keep her as a hostage for three to five days, then he gets all the legal rights to marry that girl.

The custom of Bride Kidnapping

Bride Kidnapping is also considered marriage by capture or wedding by abduction; in this, a man kidnaps the woman he wants to marry.

Bride Kidnapping is such a ritual which has been practised all over the world and throughout history. It still occurs in the countries in Central Asia, a few parts of Africa, the Caucasus region, Romani in Europe, Tzeltal in Mexico, and Hmong in Southeast Asia.

Bride Kidnapping as a tradition has kept the rape culture alive in many parts of the world. Such cultures exemplify that women are still under the heavy weight of misogyny and patriarchal tyranny.

In some cultures, symbolic bride kidnapping is considered a ritual of marriage.

In countries where marriage by abduction is generally practised, there is often a patriarchal system with strict societal norms regarding sex, pregnancy outside of marriage and illegitimate births.

In fact, bride kidnapping is considered one of the most common things in the Caucasus region.

How is the bride’s kidnapping done?

A man, along with his group of friends, goes on a hunt for his prey. They look for a young and beautiful girl, whom they decide to grab her in a car and take home.

The kidnapper’s family bullies that girl to accept the proposal. She is forced to become the abductor’s wife.

Bride Kidnapping is basically considered a sex crime because it is an indirect rape rather than a valid and legal form of marriage.

Most of the brides are underage, too

In Ethiopia, girls of eleven years also get kidnapped, and the abductor rapes his victim till she gets pregnant. After she conceives the baby, such abductors declare the girl their wife.