Introduction:
The culture of Madagascar is basically based primarily on
its nature, rich, lively and diversified. The level of communication with the
regions is very difficult since there is an absence of land routes that can
communicate them. About 80% of the population lives in the rural world since
they have a very strong bond with the land and also their beliefs and
traditions give them a sacred notion.
Music and songs are influenced by animism. They are
practiced on various occasions: rites of possession (the "tromba"),
funerals, parties, etc. Oral culture is based on the daily life of Malagasy
people: speeches, songs, etc. The development of writing was only due to
European influences with the introduction of Christianity in the 19th century.
RITUALS:
Famadihana
is a funerary tradition of the Merina group in Madagascar. It is also known as
the return of the dead, people bring the bones of their deceased relatives to
the crypt where they wrap them in new silk shrouds and then carry out a
procession with different things, such as live music, dances and celebrations.
The Famadihana seems to be of recent origin, having its origins around the seventeenth century, and may be a tradition of the double funeral tradition present in Southeast Asia. The custom is mainly based on the belief of the spirits finally meeting death, where they are in decomposition accompanied by various celebrations that can take several years. In Madagascar this ritual is carried out once every seven years.
Death
Death for the traditional Malagasy religion
marks the passage from the category of human being to the high status of
ancestor (Razana). The latter will dominate the new generations from the other
world, which will fear and honor him in turn. Three important ceremonies are
performed to accompany death. These are funerals, the "Famadihana"
(exhumation) and sacrifices. The forms of its celebration are different
according to the territory.
Funerals
Rites observed in Imerina
After the deceased has been washed, dressed
and then wrapped in a "Lamba Mena" (shroud, piece of silk cloth), he
may be exposed to those close to him for a time.
The Fomba (the custom)
Over time, the use becomes tradition or
"Fomba". Opposing the custom would bring punishment from the
ancestors.
The Ody (the talismans)
Sorcerers give amulets and spells called
"Ody". These are made up of different materials such as pieces of
wood, zebu horn, shells, plants, coins or pearls ... The owner can expect
wealth, power and success in sentimental life.
The Mpanandro (the fortune teller)
The "Mpanandro" is an important character who acts as an astrologer and whose knowledge is closely linked to the "vintana". He is one of the most important figures and representatives of the territory of Madagascar, since he determines the days for his family celebrations, He uses a method called "Sikidy" to determine the future. Analyze the predictions that will influence decisions and other actions in the life of the community.
FESTIVITIES:
The popular festivals in Madagascar are a mix between festivals of Catholic origin and tribal festivals. This country is well known for its biodiversity but also for its own customs. 55% of the population follows the beliefs and practices, on the other hand 40% of the population is practicing Christianity, Catholics and Protestants and the last 5% are followers of Islam.
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Month of January
On January 1, Malagasy
people celebrate the Catholic New Year, but also the Taom-baovao, or Malagasy
New Year.
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Months of February and March
Towards the end of
February or the beginning of March, depending on the year, the Alahamadi is
celebrated, a popular festival where the music never stops. March 29, moreover,
is the Day of the Martyrs of the Insurrection of 1947 or Martioran`ny tolona tamin`ny.
Months of April and
May
In April, after the
first spring full moon, Alatsinain`ny Paska is celebrated on Easter Monday. At
the end of May, is the Santabary or celebration of the first harvest of rice.
Also in May, the 25th,
is the Day of the O.U.A. (Organization of African Unity), the Andronì Afrika,
or commemoration of the creation of the Organization for African Unity.
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June and July
In June you can attend
the Traditional Music Festival in Nosy Be. You will also be able to experience
the Donia Music Festival. But this month, the most important holiday in
Madagascar is the Feast of Independence, Fetim-Pyrenean, or Madagascar's
independence from French colonization, on June 26.
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Months of August and September
In August, on the 15th
in Madagascar, the Assumption or Asompsiona, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary,
is also celebrated. September 27, you can attend one of the most original
popular festivals in Madagascar: Saint Vincent de Paul's Day. On this day, you
will see the performances of local Hira-gashi theaters and fireworks.
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Months of November and December
On November 1,
Madagascar also celebrates All Saints' Day or Fetin’ny olomasina. Also between
November and December the Gasytsara Music Festival takes place. But it is in
December that the locals celebrate Christmas or krsmasy in style.
NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS.
Madagascar
is a territory found in Africa and Oceania, which makes its traditions and
customs diverse and in some cases very different from the others. Each region
of Madagascar has its own beliefs, customs, legends and traditions..
Alahamadi Be
Alahamadi
Be is Madagascar's traditional New Year's Day, which is celebrated in March and
lasts for two days. People go out to celebrate in the streets, where people
decorate their homes with lights, friends and family also join in to wish each
other the best. What stands out most about this celebration is the music and
dance.
Martyrs Day
Also
celebrated on March 29, Martyrs' Day commemorates the 1947 rebellion against
French colonial rule, on this date the independence of Madagascar is celebrated
after the loss of thousands of lives. This day is very special since the dead
are commemorated for the sacrifices they made.
.
Santabary party
The
Santabary Festival is of ancient origin and is celebrated in late April or
early May to give thanks for the first rice harvest of the year. On this day
the food that can be harvested on their land is especially celebrated. Food,
dance, traditional music are part of this great celebration, but its
celebration varies in each territory.
Oramena Fair
The
carnival atmosphere at Feria Oramena, which takes place in June, The
celebration of this carnival focuses mainly on the favorite seafood and
lobsters of Madagascar. All the inhabitants enjoy the celebration with
different shows and exhibitions of sea dishes.
Fisemana
The
Fisemana festival, organized by the Antakarana people, is a purification ritual
that takes place every June. The customs date back centuries and are performed
by local fortune-tellers.
Famadihana
This
traditional event, known as the turning of the bones, is a three-month family
ritual that begins in June in Madagascar. In this case the bodies of the
members of the relatives and their ancestors who have already passed away are
taken out of the crypt and re-dressed with silk shrouds and reburied.
Madajazzcar
October's
Maddajazzcar is a massive two-week-long jazz celebration held at venues
throughout the capital. This type of event is attended by musicians, singers
and various international artists who support and are present at this
celebration.
SOURCES:
Festivities information taken from
https://www.exoticca.com/es/africa/indico/madagascar/eventos
https://journals.openedition.org/trace/1584
http://www.destinomadagascar.com/culture/creencias.html
