Introduction Romanticized in children's stories and used as a threat by parents to discipline their rambunctious children, the term "gypsy" has always brought to light images of exotic, wild, undisciplined and bohemians, considered pagan and of an impious nature. Women in scanty dresses, reading the future in a crystal ball in elaborate carts on wheels with musicians and hustlers around, gypsies were said to steal your children, women and your money in the night. Even today the term "gypped", which dates back to 1899, is used in informal conversations, perhaps without knowing its origin, to mean "to be robbed" by many. (quote here) Mystery-driven folktales and myths have haunted Roma wherever they go. The truth behind this mysterious and highly private culture of people, known as Roma, can be difficult to glean, as they do not discuss with outsiders, nor report via censuses or other government means, so this article will look at an overview of their highly misunderstood culture and of how family nursing can better assist in the care and life of Roma.HistoryThe term "gypsy", the slang term for Roma, is considered derogatory to many and is not preferred as a means of identifying oneself, since the word originated to describe these travelers as coming from Egypt, which was an incorrect assumption. Roma actually historically originate as descendants of India. Although no one is quite sure about the time period, it is estimated to be around 1000 AD when they left for a new land and are documented as the first black people to immigrate to Europe in such large numbers (Bearspace article). They are a nomadic people and prefer to move and relocate whenever and wherever they want and while... mid-paper... earn good money. The rules are flexible among children, but strictly enforced for adults, especially female members of the community. Women also have a harder time within the Roman culture which functions around the belief that Romani women are defiled and impure after childbirth and menstruation. They are immediately isolated from the rest of the community and held to the principle that whatever happens in the lower half of the body is not pure. Prejudice is a huge obstacle and stressor for the Roman people. Works Cited Edelman C., M.C. (2010) . Health promotion throughout life. (7th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.Kaakinen J., G.-DV (2010). Family health nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company. Sutherland, A. (1992, September). Intercultural medicine: gypsies and healthcare. The Western Journal of Medicine, 276-280