Ep 4. Born to Be Housewives

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a reality show that follows the lives of travellers who adhere to traditional gypsy beliefs, customs, and ways of life. The show explores the vibrant and often controversial world of the Irish and British travellers and showcases their cultural practices, such as their elaborate and extravagant weddings, flashy outfits, and larger-than-life personalities.

In season 1, episode 4, titled "Born to Be Housewives," the focus is on the women of the community who prepare for their traditional roles as wives and homemakers. The episode opens with a glimpse into the everyday life of young traveller girls, who spend most of their time cooking, cleaning, and learning the skills necessary to be good wives and mothers.

One such girl is 14-year-old Danielle, who dreams of getting married and starting a family of her own. She is taught how to cook a traditional Irish stew by her grandmother, who emphasizes the importance of being able to feed and care for her husband and children. Danielle's mother, on the other hand, encourages her to stay in school and pursue her dreams, highlighting the generational divide within the community over women's roles and aspirations.

Meanwhile, in another part of the country, the 20-year-old traveller bride Kayla is preparing for her big day, which she hopes will be a fairytale wedding. Kayla has designed her own dress, which features a massive 6-foot train, and has invited hundreds of guests to witness her union with her fiancé, a fellow traveller.

As the wedding day approaches, tensions run high as the gypsies' strict cultural rules clash with modern expectations and desires. There is disagreement over the extent to which the bride should show her legs in her short dress and whether it is appropriate for her to wear makeup. The episode highlights the challenge of balancing tradition and personal expression in the community.

The show also features the vibrant and colorful fashion of the gypsy community, with women donning extravagant and bedazzled outfits that showcase their distinct style. The dresses are often over-the-top, featuring layers of tulle, sequins, and lace, and the women accessorize with bold jewelry, glitter, and rhinestones. In the episode, we see how the women take pride in their appearance and how their clothes are an important symbol of status and femininity within the community.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of levity and drama as the women prepare for their future roles as wives, homemakers, and caregivers. The show also touches on the challenges the community faces around discrimination and marginalization, with many travellers facing prejudice and misunderstanding from the wider society.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the community come together for Kayla's wedding, with friends and family celebrating the couple's union in a lavish and emotional ceremony. The episode serves as a testament to the strength of the gypsy community and the importance of maintaining traditions and values in an ever-changing world.

Overall, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding season 1, episode 4, "Born to Be Housewives," is an engaging and insightful look into the lives and beliefs of the gypsy community. The episode highlights the struggles and joys of the women within the community as they prepare for their future roles and navigate the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity. So, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring different cultures and lifestyles.