Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The main ethnic groups are Merina, who make up 27% of the population, Betsimisaraka
(15%), Betsileo (12%), Tsimihety (7%), Sakalava (6%), Antaisaka (5%) and Antandroy
(5%). There are also small groups of Indian, Chinese, Comorian and French living on the
island.
This ethnic patchwork ismatched byahotchpotch ofdialects. The official Malagasy lan-
guage of newspapers and schools is based on the Malagasy of the Merina people, but each
region has its own dialect. Vocabulary and accents vary to the extent that people from dif-
ferent provinces struggle to understand one another.
Religion & Beliefs
About half of Madagascar's population adheres to traditional beliefs, while the efforts of
proselytising Europeans during the 19th century have resulted in the other half worship-
ping at Catholic and Protestant churches. A small proportion is Muslim. In recent years,
evangelical churches have become popular, too, with charismatic preachers, inspirational
singing and dancing, and unusual venues (from stadiums to town halls).
Even Christian Malagasies retain great respect for traditional beliefs, which are rooted in
reverence for one's ancestors and their spirits. Among most tribes, this is manifested in a
complex system of
fady
(taboos)andburialrites, thebestknownofwhichistheceremonial
exhumation and reburial known as
famadihana
(literally, 'the turning of the bones').
Malagasies invoke spirits for protection, fertility or good health at sacred sites, be it a
baobab tree, a forest waterfall or a royal tomb; you'll recognise these sites from the offer-
ings (zebu horns,
lamba
scarves, small denominations, blood, honey, sweets etc). Praying
and offering ceremonies are popular Sunday family outings and are often accompanied by
a picnic.
A common ritual after the death of a family member is for the entire
family to go down to a local river and wash all their clothes, an event
you'll often see from the roadside, with clothes drying along the river
banks.
Concepts of time and date also have a great influence. Malagasies strongly believe in
vintana
(destiny), which determines the most auspicious date for activities (building a
house, planting a new crop etc) or events such as circumcisions, weddings or funerals.
Each day of the week has its connotations: Wednesdays and Fridays are good for funerals;
Saturday, which is associated with nobility, is considered good for celebrations. To make
sure that they choose the most favourable date for an occasion, Malagasies will consult a
mpanandro
(astrologer) for guidance on
vintana
.
