PeopleEast Africa

Malagasy

The peoples of Madagascar; famadihana, the turning of the bones, is theirs.

MadagascarMalagasy

Customs they practice

7 recorded rites, each with its steps and its WHY.

Famadihana · the turning of the bones

In highland Madagascar, every several years families open the ancestral tomb, rewrap the dead in fresh silk shrouds, and dance with them to live music before returning them: remembrance as reunion.

Malagasy

Birth & namingmachine draft

Tsika Fameno · Baby Naming

Tsika Fameno is a naming ceremony for newborns, typically held a few days after birth. The ceremony involves the family and community gathering to give the child a name and bless them.

Malagasy

Coming of agemachine draft

Fiavanana · Circumcision

Fiavanana is a circumcision ceremony for young boys, marking their transition from childhood to adulthood. The ceremony involves rituals and celebrations to initiate the boys into manhood.

Malagasyfor men

Courtship & marriagemachine draft

Kabary is a traditional form of courtship speech, where a man delivers a poetic and eloquent speech to express his love and intentions to his desired partner. The speech is often performed in front of the woman's family and community.

Malagasyfor men

Faith & ancestorsmachine draft

Tromba · Ancestor Worship

Tromba is a ritual ceremony to honor and communicate with ancestors, seeking their guidance and protection. The ceremony involves trance states, offerings, and divination.

Malagasy

Family & homemachine draft

Savika · New Home Blessing

Savika is a ceremony to bless and protect a new home, often performed when a family moves into a new house. The ceremony involves rituals and offerings to ensure the home's prosperity and safety.

Malagasy

Community & hospitalitymachine draft

Hira Gasy · Community Singing

Hira Gasy is a traditional form of community singing, often performed during social gatherings and celebrations. The singing involves call-and-response patterns and poetic lyrics, often with themes of love, nature, and community.

Malagasy

What they eat

5 dishes, what they mean and when they appear.

Staplemachine draft

Rice with Vegetables

A simple dish of rice accompanied by various vegetables, often including leafy greens and tubers. It is a common, everyday meal in many Malagasy households.

Malagasy

Street & socialmachine draft

Grilled Meat Skewers

Skewers of marinated meat, usually beef or chicken, grilled over an open flame. They are a popular snack from street vendors.

Malagasy

Celebrationmachine draft

Rice Cake

A traditional rice cake, often served at special occasions and celebrations. It can be flavored with various ingredients like coconut or vanilla.

Malagasy

Drinkmachine draft

Fresh Coconut Water

The refreshing and hydrating water from young coconuts, often consumed as a beverage. It is a staple drink in many Malagasy communities.

Malagasy

Ceremonialmachine draft

Vegetable and Meat Stew

A hearty stew made with a variety of vegetables and meat, often served at special occasions and ceremonies. It is a traditional dish that holds significant cultural value.

Malagasy