If you’re intending to pursue your studies in a foreign land you should be well-prepared to blend into the culture equally! RocApply is committed to answering most of your uncertainties concerning the everyday life of the Malagasy people right on this guide!
When people think of Madagascar they may conjure up visions of aromatic vanilla growing wild in lush forests, towering baobabs, or of bouncing, singing lemurs from the popular animated movie, but the enigmatic Malagasy culture remains somewhat of a mystery. For a start, did you know that burial and funerary traditions hold special significance to the local people, and there is a ceremony known as Famadihana where relatives rewrap the bones of family members who have died and perform a dance with them? There’s far more to experience than what is commonly known about this unique land here are a few surprising revelations awaiting your discovering.
- First, let’s start with Famadihana. Ancestor worship is very important in Malagasy culture. Death is seen as a central part of life and deceased ancestors are held in much honour. Famadihana is a funerary tradition also known as ‘the turning of the bones’ or a dance with the passed on.
- The countryside is home to the majority of Malagasy, remains highly traditional, both in its lifestyle and in its political framework, with most decisions still being made by a council of male elders.
- For rural residents, traditional events and traveling orators and musicians are a significant source of entertainment. In urban areas, forms of entertainment vary. Some Malagasy join video clubs, which rent and project videos.
- An estimated 52 percent of the people hold indigenous beliefs; 41% are Christian and 7% are Muslim. However, many people hold a combination of indigenous and Christian or Muslim beliefs. The traditionally accepted supreme god is Zanahary (God on High) while Andriamanitra (the King of Heaven) is the Christian god. The country offers freedom of worship.
- Typical attire here varies according to location and socioeconomic status. Malagasy who live in the countryside or in the poorer or older parts of the cities are more likely to wear traditional attire; for men, this consists of a large shirt and shorts or long pants, while women, especially those living in the plateau, may wear dresses with gathered skirts. In the coastal regions, women often wear a wrapped skirt with a top, a rectangular shawl, referred to as a lamba, is also worn, especially on ceremonial occasions.
Etiquette
- There is some variation in etiquette between ethnic groups but there are idealized behaviors shared by many ethnic groups. With the exception of honored guests, when male and female family members eat together elder men are served first and tend to be given the choicest food. If male and female family members eat in separate groups, the eldest member of each group will be served first.
- Respect local fady (taboos), which are cultural and social dictates that relate to food, behaviour and certain times of the week or year. Guides will explain.
- Don’t point, bend your finger or indicate with your palm.
- Bring rice or a bottle of rum if you’re invited to a Malagasy home.
- Don’t attend cultural celebrations such as exhumation or circumcision ceremonies unless you have been invited.
The best way to immerse yourself into the Malagasy culture is by experiencing it first-hand. All you have between you and the island are just a few clicks here on our website. Proceed to the APPLICATION page today and book a vacancy in advance to one of the thriving academic institutions in Madagascar! Remember it’s all for free!!
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
