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Religions and beliefs Malagasy

It would be good to know some beliefs and religions Malagasy before you come visit our beautiful city of Mahajanga, which also applies its traditions.
Do not forget to stop by the Hotel ★★★ gourmet restaurant Coco Lodge if you want to spend a stay in comfort and joy.

– The cult of the ancestors :
the Malagasy people believe in the existence of a Creator God, They call Zanahary, or even Andriamanitra, "the perfumed prince".. But this God is distant, then applies rather to the ancestors who are the real mediators between humans and the supernatural world. Invoked on all ceremonial occasions so that they protect their descendants.

– Christianity :
traditional beliefs coexist today with the great European religions, Protestantism and Catholicism. The influence of these churches and their missionaries is very large.

– Islam :
the presence of islam in Madagascar is mainly linked to migration on the coast is. Antemoro populations, antambahoaka and antanosy refer all to a first ancestor, Ramina, come to Mecca. It is now known that he was not Arab, but rather Indonesians Islamized. Today Madagascar Islam is conveyed by the indo-Pakistani Muslims who finance mosques and Koranic schools.
– The famadihana :
This is to remind the deceased the good memories of the community, take advantage of its presence to ask advice or protection, then to make it more comfortable returning in the afterlife. The day fixed, the family and all guests are found around the Tomb : you open it and out the ancestor in tatters.

– The tromba :
the tromba is a ritual of possession. The possessed is always portrayed by a late King who speaks through his mouth and advises the living. Thus, through their mouth, the ancestors gave their endorsement, somehow, for any decision, such policy or military. The manifestations of the tromba are always most important in times of crisis.

– The o and the Sai :
the OBAs are amulets designed to hunt diseases, to bring prosperity, to ensure abundant crops and to guarantee the fertility of women. But some of these charms were used in the service of social groups, and rather than individuals. They were then called Sai.

– The tanguin :
all kingdoms have practiced the ordeal, known under the name of tanguin, which is actually the poison used in the "judgement of God".. Is administered to the accused a poison, the tanguin. If he escapes, It is innocent. If it dies, There is evidence of his guilt and he is punished for his crime.

– The place of the zebu :
the zebu is omnipresent in Malagasy society. It still symbolizes wealth and opulence. He accompanied the man in all the important moments of his life, and the sacrifice of a 'long horns"is essential to all rituals.

– The soothsayers and astrologers :
the role of diviners is very important in the life of the Malagasy, which is conditioned by the auspicious or harmful nature when it takes action.

– The circumcision :
It is applied in all ethnic groups. It is a rite of passage that allows the boy truly become a man and take his place in society.