Different People: The Irish Travelers

Different People: The Irish Travelers

The Irish Travelers are an ethnic or social group numbering about 50,000 around the world, some 7,000 of which live in the US. They actually came to the United State in the 1840's after the potato famine when most of the Irish migrated here.

We have a group of them in my own town, here in Texas and they live in a trailer park right down the street from me. However, if I ever meet any of them I certainly could not tell you about it as they appear to be like anyone else.

The Irish Travelers original heritage is in question but in Ireland they are considered nomads or gypsys and were referred to in Gaelic as "The Walking People". Some say they were persecuted by Oliver Cromwell when the Protestants took over Northern Ireland. Supposely, their was taken away from them because they were Catholics which forced them to become outcast and this started their wandering itinerant ways, but this has never been confirmed.

The travelers have their own language called a 'Shelta' which is derived from the Irish Gaelic. Their particular language however is divided into two separate groups 'Gammon' and 'Cant' that goes back before 1700. It is not the standard Gaelic though, as it is sometimes spoken backward, or mixed up to confuse anyone who understands true Gaelic.

They also have their own music and customs, rather than adopting those of the area in which they live. The travelers live by their own set of rule they, do not acknowledge most governments and for this reason they are considered sort of 'outlaws' with bad reputations. They have been accused of many things from scamming other people, extortion, and even thievery. Part of them have indeed been criminals, but then most of them are hard workers and take good care of their families, but prefer to mind their own business. Many of them are handy with tools and capable of making their own at times.