another tradition that i just found out about has to do specifically with roma. each year at christmas and new year's roma children (not everywhere, but in many/most places) go around and wish people good things in the coming year (i think it would be very much like giving people blessings for the coming year). in exchange, the children receive (at least here) a koláčky ("little cake" or sweets, cookies, etc.) and a little money (about 30 cents when i witnessed it).
it reminds me of halloween (without the costumes) and carolers (with the money and sweets), but mainly carolers. we never had many carolers growing up, except one very special christmas day night when they saved christmas for me, but that most/many carolers sang (at least in the past when it all began) in exchange for money/food for them or for some sort of charity (i googled it). anyway, that's how caroling started, so then i see the clear connection between roma children going around with christmas blessings in exchange for sweets and a little money.
the thing is, i'm not sure how i feel about it. ok, i'm an outsider, but to me it seems a bit questionable for little kids to go around asking for money. it seems to make them a charity case, depending on the generosity of strangers without much, if any power themselves. but then, these kids get some sweets and money. and do the kids have a say in it or are they told to do it and so they do it? when the kids i saw came to us, i knew a few of them and they seemed either embarrassed or shy (i couldn't really tell which). and then, there's always the very good possibility that i'm trying to overanalyze the situation. thoughts? i'd love to get some feedback on this...
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