It’s no surprise to anyone that the Malagasy people venerate the Zanahary. However, the myths surrounding these deities go far beyond simple beliefs; they reveal intriguing and sometimes little-known stories about creation and Malagasy spirituality. Did you know that, in the beginning, the Zanahary was believed to possess duality, being both masculine and feminine? This duality was symbolized by a primordial egg, which is said to have given birth to the sky and the earth. This tale highlights a worldview where balance and complementarity play a central role.
Through proverbs, prayers, and religious rites, the Malagasy people express an unshakable faith in a unique god, the creator and master of the universe. This god, often called Zanahary or Andriamanitra, is seen as omnipresent, constantly watching over human destiny. In their prayers, worshippers address him first, a testament to a deeply rooted monotheism, even though oral traditions also mention both male and female Zanahary.
These practices go beyond mere words. Religious rituals, performed on various occasions, strengthen this spiritual connection. The Malagasy invoke Zanahary to bless their harvests, protect their families, or guide them in making important decisions, showing how this divine belief permeates every aspect of their daily lives.
Numerous Malagasy proverbs also reflect this profound faith and the qualities attributed to Zanahary. For instance, “If an orphan has a full stomach, it is God who has fed them” illustrates divine goodness. According to these beliefs, God is good, the source of all that is good, and only good, as evil does not come from him. His justice and goodness are recurring themes in the wisdom passed down through generations.
These stories and traditions reflect a culture closely connected to the divine, where spirituality is present in every action and word.
