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Ethnic groups
Madagascar
population is made of 18 ethnic groups, forming a unique mosaic of
faces, color and music. All living together compose a true human
symphony.
Even if the country is made of very different
ethnic groups, the whole country have the same language inherited from
the Indonesian origins with light differences from a region to
another.
All Malagasy people believe in a unique god, named Zanahary or
Andriamanitra, the 'perfumed god'. However, the everyday cult goes to
an ancestor's divinity razana. The belief in deceased is shared to all
islanders.
Ancestors' cult
The
ancestor's cult is a celebration of 'Life experience', as deceased are
considered as keeping a spiritual power and are the defenders of
spiritual and material life on earth. Each ancestor is considered to
keep his personality and his family links.
The god Razana
is invoked at each great moment of one's life. Then are sacrificed
animals such as chicken or cattle, or the believers offer a religious
meal to the god. Madagascar also have 40% of Christians of the four
main churches, and 200 000 Muslims who mainly live on the west coast
and in the capital city.
Death rites
In the traditional religion, death is seen as a passage from human being to high rank of ancestor (Razana).
The Razana will guide the next generations who will honour him and fear
him as well. There are three ceremonies to celebrate the deceased:
- Funerals
- Exhumation of the dead
- Ritual sacrifices
The "Fady"
The
taboos or what is strictly forbidden is called fady and are very
important in a Malagasy’s life, just as it is for the pacific island's
people. The Razana cult has to follow a very complicated system of
fadys. The vary from a family to another one, infringing a fady is
considered as a serious insult to an ancestor.
The "Tromba"
The
tromba is a rite of spiritual possession that is practiced in the west
region of Imerina and in the south of the island. Once in a trance, the
possessed one is always inhabited by the spirit of a dead king who
speaks to the livings and gives advices.
The word of this prestigious ancestor is sacred, and the person through
whom he spoke is very important to the community, as he went between
life and death while in a trance.
The "Ody"
The odys are charms wore for avoiding illness, give prosperity, give good crops and guarantee women fertility.
Sorcerers are making the Odys thanks to some sacrifices offered by the
applicant. The odys are called "Sampy" when they are dedicated to a group
of people.
The Malagasy people have learnt to use plants for medical purpose. In
almost all villages a sorcerer is the recipient of this highly valuable
knowledge. European chemistry industries are meeting these sorcerers to
find new medicines.
Luck or "Vintana"
Luck
has an official being for Madagascar people. It is considered that
Vintana lead every day’s life, social and religious events. The stars
position and mostly the moon phases are considered before all main life
decision.
The Tanguin
The tanguin is a poison that was used in all kingdoms of Madagascar.
Considered as God's judgement, it was given to the accused one. Dying
was proof of guilt and good justice, surviving, a proof of innocence.
The "Mpanandro" or fortune teller
The
Mpanandro is a very important character of the community, as he is also
an astrologer and tells about the luck, the vintana. Being the one who
answers to all great matters, he is one of the most respected of the
village. All villagers will follow his advices for family celebrations,
meetings, and travels...
The "Famorana" or circumcision
In
Madagascar society, all children must have a circumcision for becoming
virile. The ceremony goes for several days, celebrated usually between
June and September; a zebu (ox) is then burnt as a sacrifice.
The Zebu (ox)
The zebu is the cattle common to all Madagascar. As a durable source of
food, it represents wealthness. The zebu is present in all great
moments and is used in all sacrifices.
The "Moraingy" or "Ringa"
The
moraingy is the Malagasy wrestling that is largely practiced in coastal
villages. The wrestlers meet in the place of the village, all villagers
around them, encouraging one or the other. The moraingy looks very much
like the Brazilian capuera, and is more like a danced fight than
boxing. It requires great physical ability that makes a great show of
each fight.
The "Fanorona"
The
Fanorona is a game played originally in Highlands and became national
today. It requires tactical skills as well a sharp reflection.
The music
One
of the most important part of the Malagasy culture, music is heard
everywhere and at every moment, in family meetings, at all religious
ceremonies...
Music is a capital medium for social
harmony. Before enjoying music, the community regroups itself in an
"Afindrafindrao", which is a special dance where all make a dance in a
turning circle, two per two, as a symbol of unity. After the
Afindrafindrao is played and danced, all other music can be played.
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