The culture of Madagascar : CULTURAL ACTIVITY OF MADAGASCAR

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.

- Month of January

On January 1, Malagasy people celebrate the Catholic New Year, but also the Taom-baovao, or Malagasy New Year.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.