Ala volon-jaza is a Malagasy tradition practiced mainly in the Highlands, especially among the Merina people. This ritual celebrates a baby’s first haircut, usually done when the child is about three months old. In fact, all Malagasy ethnic groups practice this ritual, but it does not hold the same level of importance everywhere, unlike among the Merina.
For example, among the Antambahoaka in the southeast of Madagascar, the ritual is performed by the child’s grandfather. The baby is first placed in a basin filled with water to take a bath.
Beyond being a simple cosmetic act, this ceremony holds great significance, although the practices and beliefs vary from family to family. It is said to protect the newborn from bad omens and to attract luck and prosperity throughout their life. According to beliefs, some hairs, especially those growing above the left ear, are thought to bring bad luck. These hairs are cut and carefully thrown away from the village. The hairs on the right side, symbolizing good fortune, are shared with the family in the form of food, strengthening bonds of solidarity.
It is also said that the texture of the child’s hair depends on the person who performs the first cut, often a parent, who then has the right to choose whose hair has the most beautiful texture. However, this belief is debated and not always taken seriously.
The date of the Ala volon-jaza follows the traditional Malagasy calendar, and the person chosen to cut the hair must respect certain rules, notably having both parents still alive, as a sign of respect and continuity. The ceremony is also a family gathering around a special meal, where relatives and guests participate by offering a “vidim-bolo” (price for the hair) to honor the tradition.
This ritual is considered a rite of passage, a stage where the child is officially welcomed into the community and blessed by the ancestors. Despite modern influences, Ala volon-jaza remains a respected practice proudly celebrated by many Malagasy families.