The Romanichal have been present in America since the mid-17th century due to persecution and slavery in Europe. Most European countries had passed anti-Gypsy legislation, preventing them from doing business or settling and owning land, this, combined with other types of persecution, led Roma to flee Europe. (Bokt, RomanyJib, 2014) Most of their traditions are passed down verbally because they are a nomadic people and traveled often, they never wrote books about their history because they had to carry all their belongings with them wherever they went. (Kiger, 2013) Today, Roma are trying to start records of their history to pass down to their ancestors. Family is very important for the Roma people and there is a very specific hierarchy within the family unit. Once the couple marries, the woman joins her husband's family. The husband's father is the highest authority, followed by his children and wife. The new bride is at the bottom of the hierarchy and is expected to take care of the needs of her husband and in-laws until she has children of her own. (Bokt, RomanyJib, 2013) Children revere their parents and grandparents so much that they care for them without question once they become adults. The family home usually consists of several generations living together, with younger family members providing financial support and any care that older members may need. In turn, older family members help with the children and provide emotional support to the newlyweds. (Kiger, 2013) When it comes to healthcare, many Roma avoid modern medicine. Their lifestyle and the way they were raised made them close to nature and wary of governments. Imagine being told you can't... middle of paper... March 30, 2014, from Romany Culture and Tradition: http://www.gypsyjib.com/page/Romany+Traditions+%26+ CultureBokt, K. ( 2014, February 20). RomanyJib. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from American Romanichals: http://americanromanichals.webeden.co.uk/Debra Honer RN, C. a. (2004, August 1). Modern medicine. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from The Enigma of the Gypsy Patient: http://www.modernmedicine.com/modern-medicine/news/enigma-gypsy-patientIvanov, I. (2004, December 15). European Center for Roma Rights. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from Reflections on the Access of Roma to Health Care: http://www.errc.org/article/reflections-on-the-access-of-roma-to-health-care/2067Kiger, PJ ( 2013, August 1). National geographic. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from Romani Culture and Traditions: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/american-gypsies/articles/romani-culture-and-traditions/