A GYPSY mum has revealed the truth about why it’s common for them to plastic wrap their furniture.
Rachel Smith, from the UK, took to social media to spill the tea on what it’s like living in a tiny caravan.
In the clip, the gypsy mum-of-two revealed she had been inundated with questions about her caravan home and how they all fit inside.
One thing people noticed was that the caravan she was currently living in had no bedrooms, and they were eager to know how they slept.
She said: “The first like comment that I’m gonna answer is where do we sleep?”
Rachel then revealed that many of the sofas turn into beds for her and her family.
READ MORE REAL LIFE STORIES
Rachel often slept in the dining area while her daughters slept in the seating are of the caravan.
They simply take the board stored into the base of the seats and are then able to place the cushions down to make it into a bed.
To make it even cosier, the mum also puts down lots of quilts as most of the cushions are covered in plastic wrap.
“Another question was why do I have plastic everywhere?” she continued.
“The reason why I have plastic everywhere is because if anything gets destroyed in here, I could not physically lift this side off and go and replace it.”
To keep them protected from any dirt, she plastic-wrapped the sofas and table tops to make sure they last.
Lastly, many people asked where her children play in the tiny caravan, and she explained the kids had free rein during the day.
She kept their toys stored in boxes and let them get them out during the daytime but was quick to pack them away again at night.
Rachel added: “You’ve got to note, a trailer caravan is a lot different than a house.
“So you can’t have absolutely everything on show.
“It’d be impossible. It would just be cluttered to death.”
Traditions in the gypsy/traveller communities
Nomadic lifestyle: Traditionally, many travellers maintain a nomadic lifestyle, living in caravans and moving frequently. This mobility is a core aspect of their identity, reflecting a deep connection to freedom and independence.
Strong family bonds: Family is central to traveller culture. Extended families often live and travel together, providing a strong support network. Marriages and social events are significant community affairs, reinforcing familial ties.
Distinct Language: Many travellers speak Shelta, also known as Cant or Gammon, a distinct language that mixes elements of Irish, English, and other languages. This language serves as a cultural marker and a means of private communication within the community.
Religious practices: The traveller community often follows Roman Catholicism, with religious festivals and milestones like baptisms, communions, and weddings being particularly significant. However, individual beliefs and practices can vary widely.
Unique celebrations: Events such as horse fairs and traditional weddings are major social gatherings for travellers. These occasions are marked by elaborate preparations, vibrant attire, and communal participation.
The clip has gone viral on her TikTok account @rachelannsmith57 with over 8.9k views and many took to the comments thanking Rachel for sharing a glimpse into her life.
One person wrote: “So do you fold up the kids beds in the day?”
Another commented: “And your babies look happy.”
“Thank you for sharing,” penned a third.
Someone else added: “Beautiful home.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club
