Introduction / History

Vlax is one of the languages of the Romani people. It originated in southeastern Europe, but their ancestry goes back to India. Romani call themselves Rom, which in their language means "men." Rom is derived from the Indian word Dom, meaning "a man of low caste who gains his livelihood by singing and dancing." They could also be metal workers.

In India, they were discriminated against and excluded from the temples. Later, they were sent to Persia as minstrels. From there they were separated into two groups. One traveled northward around the 1000s and became the Romany-speaking European Romani. A small number live in Oslo, Norway, and this community didn’t arrive until the 1800s. The other traveled southward and became known as the Domari or Middle Eastern Romani.

The Romani in Norway were not recognized as a separate ethnic group until 1999.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Vlax Romani in Norway don’t think they are taken seriously by the Norwegian authorities. There are rival Romani mafia-type gangs that fight it out, and the Norwegian police do not get involved. In 1989, a Romani family was involved, with a huge diamond fraud scheme. Some Vlax Romani are beggars. These situations do not endear them to the Norwegians. One Romani woman has a drop-in center for Romani children. The Norwegian government built housing for them so they wouldn’t have to brave Norway’s cold winters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Norway, the Vlax Romani are mostly Roman Catholic or Protestant. Some also believe ghosts, lizards and snakes are capable of harming humans and that people have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye." Others have come to true repentance in Christ, and they are following him.

What Are Their Needs?

Like most Romani peoples, the Vlax need acceptance. Many need to learn modern job skills that will help propel them forward in the 21st century.

Prayer Points

Pray for those who adhere to Christianity will put Jesus first, high above any traditional belief system.
Pray for European Christ followers to reach out to the Vlax Romani.
Pray for Vlax Romani disciples to make more disciples, blessing every family.
Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met.

Scripture Prayers for the Romani, Vlax in Norway.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlax_Romani_language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlax_Romani_people
https://books.google.com/books?id=lpBHAM3qafwC&pg=PA38#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://www.academia.edu/4086455/The_role_of_the_Vlax_Roma_in_shaping_the_European_Romani_maternal_genetic_history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people_in_Norway
https://romea.cz/en/world/parallel-worlds-the-life-of-romani-people-in-norway