Madagascar has absorbed the features of several world cultures, primarily, the Austronesian and the culture of the Bantu tribes. Here you can see a combination of traditions and customs of the peoples of Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe. This is due to the history of Madagascar.
Since the 10th century, the country has been subjected to Arab influence, Muslim traditions have spread widely here, although Islam as a whole has not taken root. Since the XVI century, a great role in the formation of the culture of Madagascar was played by Europeans, especially the French, who for a long time owned the island. And, nevertheless, thanks to the remoteness from the continent, the Malagasy people were able to preserve the features of their unique culture, traditions, customs and customs, which have been passed for several centuries in a row.
Folk traditions in art
Folklore and handicrafts in Madagascar are vivid proof of the identity of the local population. National music is a mixture of Arabic, African and European rhythms. Malagasy and in everyday life find a place for playing musical instruments, folk songs and dances. At the same time, we note that, depending on the region of the country, the style of singing and the instruments used differ.
Of the crafts the most developed traditional woodcarving. You can see a wide variety of figures, masks and figurines on the shelves of souvenir shops . They are also happy to do weaving, weave baskets, hats, make wooden kitchen utensils, toys, sew from silk, embroider, produce gold and silver jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones. Weaving has not lost its importance due to the fact that the Malagasy still wear their traditional clothes (it is called "lamas") with striped and other various patterns. From the fibers of the rafia palm tree, decorative fabrics are made - the slaves with bright patterns, reminiscent of serpentine skin overflows.
The people of Madagascar and religious traditions
Among the two dozens of different nationalities living on the island, the majority are Malagasy, resembling Arabs, Persians, Africans and even Japanese. The nationalities are divided into mountaineers and those who live near the coast. Among the immigrants can be found Indians, Pakistanis, Arabs, French, Chinese.
The overwhelming majority of local residents adhere to ancient customs and profess the cult of their ancestors, ie. worships the deceased forefathers. Among the Malagasy, about half are Christians of different denominations, mostly Protestants, although in recent years, Orthodox Christians have increasingly met. 7% of the local population are Buddhists and Muslims.
Culture of communication and rules of conduct in public places
The main language of the inhabitants of the island of Madagascar is Malagasy, it belongs to the Austronesian language family and is similar to the languages of Indonesia and Malaysia. In recent years, in connection with the development of tourism business and service sector in the country, the employees of these areas of activity began to actively study English and French.
In all areas of everyday life in Madagascar there are several traditions and customs that tourists should know and do. Here are the most important of them:
- In sacred places and in necropolises it is customary to make offerings. Most often bring food. Money in no event can not be left.
- In places of religious worship, it is proper to behave with restraint, wear appropriate clothing, respect the surrounding nature and monuments of art. In all sacred places you should not smoke, bring with you and eat pork.
- If you were invited to a religious ceremony, do not refuse in any way, it is a great honor to the traditions here.
- In the reserves, strict rules on nature conservation are applied, so you can not damage trees, tear flowers, fish, hunt and even feed animals. If there are doubts, what can and what can not be done, be sure to contact the guide. If you hear the word "fadi" in any context, it means a ban.
- Due to the spread of the cult of ancestors on the island, the Malagasy people also care for animals, believing that the soul of the deceased can move to some animal. The most revered representatives are zebu, crocodiles, lemurs and chameleons. For causing them harm, the culprit is threatened with serious punishment.
- Be careful when driving, because in Madagascar there are no "right" and "left" concepts. Local residents use only geographic directions - "south", "north-west", etc.
- For Malagasy people it is considered the norm to greet a stranger on the street. This is most often seen in the elderly.
- When referring to a person here it is customary to call him by position, and not by name.
- During the conversation, categorical and unambiguous answers in the spirit of "yes" and "no" are not welcome.
- Life on the island has always been measured, local people are in no hurry, so slow maintenance, delayed action or late for the meeting - in Madagascar quite harmless incident.
- In no case should you photograph military and police facilities, as well as policemen and employees in uniform, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.
- One of the main family values for Malagasy people are children, their families are very strong and often have many children. The locals are very friendly and hospitable. To go on a visit with empty hands is a sign of bad taste. Tourists usually bring as a gift to the owners food, cigarettes or alcohol. The most valuable gift is banana or ginger rum.
Attitude towards women
Earlier in the territory of Madagascar matriarchy was dominating. Since then, here the attitude towards a woman is very respectful, she is considered equal in her rights to a man. But to the fairer sex during the trip to the island, if possible, do not remain alone, so as not to attract undue attention from local men.
clothing
It is recommended that you wear closed clothing and shoes that cover your hands and feet, and a head piece. Eliminate open t-shirts, shorts and protective clothing. In the sacred places women in pants can not miss, be careful. Also it is worthwhile to always carry a flashlight (in tropical countries early and quickly starts to get dark), funds from mosquitoes and other insects.
Major holidays on the island of Madagascar
There are several national holidays on the island, including the New Year (here it is called Alahamandi and celebrated in March), the Day of Uprising, the Day of African Unity, Republic Day and others. Christian holidays are also widely celebrated, especially Easter and Christmas. There are also traditional music festivals of Donia and Madajazzar, known far beyond Madagascar. In June, the ritual of purifying Fisman is carried out. For boys there is a ceremony of circumcision - Famoran. But, undoubtedly, the most important on the island is Famadihana - the ceremony of honoring the dead, taking place between June and September.