I think Rob is right, you “belong” exactly where you are.
And wow what a intense question on being a traveller....
I feel it is our sense of culture and way of life that names us above all other things, especially previous, present and transitional nomadism which is an important factor in the labels of self and communal identity.
It distinguishes us Travellers from the sedentary (settled) population. While Travellers do not constitute a distinct/separate group from the population as a whole in terms of religion, language or genetic lineage (although this one is debatable), we are however, an indigenous minority who have been part of Irish society for uncounted centuries.
As Travellers we share:
- Fundamental cultural values and communally regulated morals;
- Our identity is largely biologically self perpetuating;
- We maintain and socially monitor a highly selective field of communication and interaction;
- Have customs and traditions unique onto ourselves;
- Have a language (which much like Gaelic usually remains unspoken);
- Have a “membership” which identifies itself, and is identified by others as being separate from the common flow.
But like most human ideals we are always changing, not always subjective to the individual above the community and is a thing that sometimes is deeply meaningful while at others just an empty label to make us feel we belong.
Our sense of identity is important but so is who we truly are – id focus more on getting towards a happy life then who I may or not be – you'll get there
P.
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