In Madagascar, the deceased ancestors are still important to the majority of the population.
The Malagasy are attached to polytheism and superstition since the night of time. They believe in a Creator God, but they also have faith in obscure divinities and have inclinations for witchcraft and amulets. To date, the deceased ancestors are still important to the majority of the Malagasy population.
The place of ancestors to the living in Madagascar
To Madagascar all ethnic groups invoke the "fragrant God" or "creative God" commonly called "Adriamanitra Andriananahary" for ever. In parallel, they give themselves to the cults of many other things, including the deceased ancestors or "razana".
With the Malagasy, all ethnic groups, the deceased ancestors have powers slightly lower than those of the supreme God. They serve as intercessors between the Creator and Men. They bless the living, protect them from the curse and guide them in everyday life. Fearing ancestors’ ascending on earth could lead to diseases, misfortunes and even scourges. Therefore, the Malagasy apply to the worship of the ancestors and practice a thousand and a rites to implore the blessing and protection of the deceased ancestors.
Traditional rites adopted in the worship of ancestors
In the houses of the Malagasy, the "Zro firarazana" or the inner corner of the wall located in the northeast axis is dedicated to the deceased ancestors. To honour the "razana", it is used to pour a sip of alcoholic beverage before proceeding with any festive event.
Disease, misfortune or bad fate may come from an offence to an ancestral ban. It is very important to ask forgiveness for "razana". Making honey, rum or chicken offerings living with the deceased ancestors makes it possible to regain health or restore life in order. Sometimes it is necessary to immolate a red cock (akoholahy mena) or a zebu near the ancestral tomb.
Even if the 18 ethnic groups present in Madagascar practice cosmopolitan rites, if not different, exhumation ( the return of the dead ) is the traditional ceremony they share in common. This ancestral ritual is to wrap the dead with new linceuls. He was the subject of a great celebration in the family and in the community.
To conclude
According to the Malgaches beliefs, the more we care about the deceased ancestors, the more they bless their descendants by giving them health, happiness and wealth. That is why it is quite logical that we practice the worship of ancestors in Madagascar.
Main photo credit: Wikimedia - Bernard Gagnon
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