The famorana or Malagasy circumcision through its customs
Let’s talk about famorana, or circumcision in Madagascar. It is considered a rite of passage from a boy to adulthood, and a transition to the responsibility of a man. Everyone has their own way of performing the famorana, from the most traditional to the most modern. Find out how the famorana is performed in both cases. Each region performs the famorana at a specific time.
Note especially the right moment for the realization of the famorana, and what does it represent culturally?
A key element of life, the Malagasy famorana brings the group together, and strengthens the bonds between members. A spiritual and symbolic meaning thus emerges from the circumcision.
In Malagasy culture, a boy’s masculinity is affirmed through the famorana. His status as a man is secured only after he is circumcised. Protecting his family is the main objective of this practice. He can thus meet his obligations and integrate into society. There are even some tribes that forbid the burial of an uncircumcised man in a family grave.
Practiced in winter, following the consensus of the family, the famorana heals more easily. In the past (and still today), the practice is done at dusk at the boy’s home. The date is chosen by a shaman or mpanandro
Annually, the event takes place in the highland region. The denomination varies like « famorana, didim-poitra or hasoavan-jaza. In the South-East region, among the Antambahoaka (the local people) speak rather of « Sambatra ». Among them, circumcision is performed only every 7 years for all boys requiring this operation.
Attend the famorana as an important cultural event.
Traditionally, the famorana respects a significant ritual well determined. Note that the rituals vary from one region to another, from one ethnic group to another in Madagascar.
Dedicated accessories are provided prior to the event. A meaning is assigned to each of them. The « fary » or sugar cane symbolizes happy life. Having male offspring is represented by the banana feet. The sacred water, collected on the side of a mountain, is in charge of men with shields and various weapons. This water is used to wash hands, wounds, and small materials. The father or uncle of the circumcised man eats the foreskin in a banana, in order to have male descendants.
However, an evolution affects the famorana.
From now on, the circumcision takes another form, more simplified. An evolution has occurred for certain, and this ceremony is abandoned, even. Replaced by the doctor, the traditional circumciser disappears. Finding the sacred dimension and its rite ardor, remains an illusion. The improved circumcision is offered to medical techniques. Surgery or ring circumcision replaces the traditional technique of famorana. Many health organizations encourage circumcision under anesthesia to minimize pain and postoperative complications.
Despite these changes, the practice of « famorana » remains widely adopted. The symbolic meaning of circumcision for people in the Malagasy community has not changed. In their culture, famorana is still considered a rite of passage to adulthood for a boy.
