Culture

The Malagasy people see themselves as an island people, with a fierce pride in their own national identity and culture, shunning the idea that they are Africans.

At times, Malagasy people may seem reserved, but this comes from a belief that you simply don’t discuss some subjects in polite company. Personal issues and problems are not openly discussed, even with close friends, and indiscrete questions are avoided. The Malagasy concept of fihavanana - conciliation or brotherhood - means that confrontation is avoided and compromise sought.

Despite the numerous tribes in Madagascar cultural beliefs remain national and strong. Traditional Malagasy culture is rooted in reverence and respect for the ancestors, or razana. This celebration of ancestors is intended to help the ancestors thrive in the spirit world, thereby enabling them to look after their descendants in this world. In life this extends to viewing dead ancestors as the most important members of the family responsible for dictating family customs and way of life and ensuring prosperity.

Families and social groups are structured around these beliefs with those whose ancestors had a high social position, receiving the same status as their ancestors. Similarly, older family members have a higher status than the young not just because of their age but because they are seen as closer to the dead.

The family is central to Malagasy life, including distant cousins and long dead ancestors. The home is the focus of all Malagasy life. Even in the poorest areas, villagers take pride in their homes and family members are likely to live nearby moving between each other’s homes to help out whenever needed.

Marriage is a relaxed and often informal institution and divorce is common. Children are seen as the main purpose of marriage and essential to happiness and security. They play an active role in the family, helping the extended family with chores when needed.

The concept of fady or taboo, is a part of daily life for all Malagasy people. It is more than simply taboo - the custom of following the wishes of the ancestors dictates what is fady from one family to another, so while for one family eating pork may be forbidden, for another it may be fine. Each person, family and community may have their own fady.

Malagasy communities have a hierarchy that dates prior to French occupation. Each community has a president and village elders that discuss the future plans and direction of the village. Within the hierarchy, everyone has a place and the community can often seem like one big extended family gathering in the marketplace and exchanging news.

Status within the community may be measured by social standing (based on a family’s ancestors) or wealth - the more zebu (ox-like cattle) a family owns, the richer it is and the higher its status within the community.

Appearance and dress are important to Malagasy people. Hats are a favourite item of fashion and colourful lambas and baskets add to the people’s unique style. In towns and villages everyone ‘promenades’ in the early evening to exchange gossip and socialise.

Music and dancing are favourite past times and it never takes much for an informal gathering to turn in to a fully-fledged party, no matter how many people are present. Toliara is home to much of Madagascar’s popular music (including Tsapiky and Kilalaky). It is often difficult to go anywhere without hearing music and receiving invitations to dance.

In the towns markets are a vibrant display of colour with market stalls selling lambas, colourful woven baskets and a vast arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables. On the roads Citroen 2CVs and Renault 4s act as taxis, alongside colourful pousse-pousses ferrying people around.

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