The traditional social life of the Malagasy is rooted in a fundamental principle, fihavanana, a concept that is difficult to translate but can be likened to solidarity. This principle guides each individual throughout their life, ensuring a strong connection with the community and ancestors.
From birth, every Malagasy is bound to fihavanana through strict social rules, such as taboos (fady) and family prohibitions (sandrana). Even if one breaks these rules, whether intentionally or unintentionally, purification rituals are necessary to restore balance, and past actions influence future projects (tody).
Among the rites that mark this tradition are practices such as tromba and famadihana, where the Malagasy honor their ancestors by gathering the family around the razana. These special moments, such as dressing the deceased in local silk (lambamena), show how ancestors are respected and remain alive in Malagasy culture.
The Malagasy also practice other sacred rites, such as raised stones (vatolahy), stone heaps (tatao), or ritual sacrifices of red roosters at specific locations, performed by Mpimasy, as well as many other practices to ask for favors. These traditions are still alive today and are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. These rites coexist peacefully with Christianity, demonstrating the harmony between ancient faith and Christian belief, while respecting certain boundaries.
Malagasy social life has remained solidly rooted in traditional practices, while striving to embrace modern revolutions.
