Malagasy culture: Traditional Culture in Madagascar
Traditional Beliefs and Religion
One of the most fundamental aspects of Malagasy culture is the deep connection between the living and the dead. Traditional beliefs hold that ancestors, known as razana, serve as intermediaries between the supreme God, referred to as Zanahary or Andriamanitra, and the living. The deceased are viewed as powerful figures who can influence daily life, either bringing good fortune or misfortune depending on whether they are honored and respected.
The tomb plays a central role in Malagasy society, serving as a link between the living and the dead. These burial sites are built with great care and often surpass the homes of the living in their construction and cost. The land upon which a family tomb is located, known as tanindrazana (land of the ancestors), holds deep spiritual significance and remains inalienable within the family.
Different ethnic groups across Madagascar have distinct tomb structures. The Merina, for example, build solid stone tombs with underground chambers, while the Mahafaly of the southwest adorn their tombs with elaborately carved wooden posts. Some Sakalava tombs have historically featured carvings depicting fertility symbols, illustrating the life-giving force of ancestors.
Famadihana: The Turning of the Bones
Among the Merina and Betsileo peoples, the famadihana, or "turning of the bones," is a significant ceremony that reaffirms the bond between the living and their ancestors. This ritual involves exhuming the remains of ancestors from temporary tombs, wrapping them in fresh silk shrouds, and transferring them to a permanent resting place. The ceremony is an elaborate affair, requiring significant financial investment for feasts and gatherings of extended family members.
The famadihana is seen as a time of communion with the ancestors rather than a somber funeral. It is considered an obligation for those who can afford it, and failure to perform the ceremony when financially able is seen as a serious transgression.
Concepts of the Soul and Spiritual Entities
Malagasy spiritual beliefs encompass multiple forms of the soul. Among the Merina, the fanahy is an essence that determines an individual’s character, while the ambiroa represents the soul after death, believed to gradually merge with the collective ancestral spirit. The lolo refers to the soul of a recently deceased individual, often described as harmless but nostalgic for its earthly home, while the angatra represents malevolent ghosts.
The Role of Diviners and Astrologers
Traditional healers, diviners, and astrologers, known as ombiasy and mpanandro, play an important role in Malagasy society. They are consulted for matters ranging from agricultural timing to marriage compatibility. Their practices are rooted in the concept of vintana, or fate, which is believed to be dictated by celestial alignments.
These diviners use a system of Arabic origin involving fruit seeds or grains of corn arranged in patterns to predict the future and provide guidance on health, business, and personal matters. Many Malagasy people, regardless of social status, continue to seek the counsel of ombiasy before making major life decisions.
Fady: Taboos and Social Norms
Fady (taboos) are a set of prohibitions governing various aspects of daily life, including diet, behavior, and social interactions. Many fady are tied to vintana, while others reinforce social values. For instance, hospitality is considered sacred, and refusing to offer or accept hospitality is fady.
These taboos vary widely among different ethnic groups and regions. Travelers and outsiders must familiarize themselves with local customs to avoid inadvertently violating a fady. Some taboos reflect metaphorical reasoning, such as the belief that sitting in a doorway while rice is sprouting could obstruct the "birth" of the crop.
Religious Diversity
Traditional beliefs coexist with organized religions. Approximately 55% of Malagasy people adhere to indigenous beliefs, while 40% are Christian, divided between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Islam, practiced mainly by Comorans and Indo-Pakistanis, constitutes around 5% of the population.
Christianity, introduced during the colonial period, has often merged with traditional beliefs. For example, Christian Malagasy often blend ancestral worship with church practices, having pastors bless tombs and attend famadihana ceremonies. The use of the term Andriamanitra to refer to the Christian God demonstrates the integration of indigenous religious concepts into Christianity.
Social Structure and Kinship
Malagasy society is highly hierarchical, with social ranking determined by age, descent, and gender. Ancestors are seen as the ultimate source of power, and lineage plays a crucial role in determining an individual's status.
The Merina, for example, traditionally divide society into three groups: andriana (nobles), hova (commoners), and andevo (descendants of slaves). The Sakalava similarly rank individuals according to descent from royal or noble clans.
Kinship groups, or karazana, are defined by common tomb lands and function as extended family networks. Marriages often occur within these groups to ensure the continuity of family lineage and maintain ancestral ties.
Ethnic Groups of Madagascar
Madagascar is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural traditions and histories. Some of the major ethnic groups include:
- Merina – Central highlands, dominant in political and economic affairs
- Betsileo – Central highlands, known for rice cultivation
- Sakalava – Western regions, historically powerful kingdom
- Antandroy – Southern Madagascar, pastoralist culture
- Antaimoro – Southeastern Madagascar, known for divination practices
- Vezo – Southwestern coastal regions, skilled fishermen
- Tsimihety – Northern Madagascar, traditionally independent people
Traditional Arts and Craftsmanship
Madagascar has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, with each ethnic group excelling in unique forms of artistry. The Zafimaniry people are renowned for their intricate wood carvings, while the Antaimoro are known for their handmade paper infused with floral designs.
Weaving, silk production, and basketry are widespread, with the use of raffia and sisal fibers playing a crucial role in traditional clothing and household items. Musical traditions, featuring stringed instruments like the valiha, continue to be an integral part of Malagasy cultural expression.
Conclusion
Madagascar’s traditional culture is deeply rooted in the veneration of ancestors, respect for social hierarchy, and adherence to taboos. While modern influences and organized religions have shaped contemporary Malagasy society, many traditional beliefs and practices remain central to daily life. Understanding these cultural foundations provides insight into the resilience and identity of the Malagasy people.