Gypsy is the European name given to the Rom, a wandering tribal people who migrated to Europe from northern India during the 14th and 15th centuries.  Traditionally, Gypsies recognize no country as their own and migrate seasonally across national boundaries, resourcefully surviving as fortunetellers, horse traders, metalworkers, and musicians.  Gypsies have been persecuted for centuries while passing through various countries.

During World War II, the Nazis determined Gypsies to be racially inferior, and targeted them for extermination.  Between 100,000 and 200,000 Gypsies were murdered in death camps and by Einsatzgruppen killing units.  The Gypsy term for this Nazi slaughter is Porrajmos, or the Great Devouring.