Lęk i strach związany ze śmiercią w społecznościach polskich Romów w kontekście przemian społeczno-kulturowych

Abstrakt

For many people, fear of death is a very strong experience. In a more or less conscious way, it accompanies us throughout our lives. In many cultures, the arrival of death is preceded by certain signs that symbolize of the end of earthly life. Their appearance, usually unannounced, causes uncertainty, anxiety and fear. Among the Roma communities, they are strongly associated with funeral rituals. The aim of the article is to show that the belief in the afterlife, despite many socio-cultural changes (forced settlement after 1964, adaptation to life among the majority society, socio-political changes in Poland after 1989, economic migrations, COVID-19 pandemic, etc.), is an important and current element of the life of Roma communities. The methods used include participant observation and over a dozen in-depth interviews with representatives of the Roma community on the topic of death and funerals. The interviews focused on emotions and perceptions related to death, covering both the fear of the end of one’s own life and the fear that accompanies the passing of loved ones. Death-related fear and anxiety among people of Roma origin may have many meanings. These uncomfortable feelings may result from their history and position among the majority societies, which is often is shaped by Romophobia – a type of prejudice leading to discrimination against people of Roma origin. They have a strong impact on the psyche of the representatives of this group and their creations, which is also manifested in funeral rituals.