Madagascar+Culture

Traditions/Beliefs:
(Country Studies)
 * One of the main beliefs of the people of Madagascar (or Malagasy people) is that there is a strong tie between the living world and the dead world. To further explain this, you need to know that the Malagasy people believe in a supreme being, or "God," who they commonly refer to as, "Zanahary," (Creator), or "Andriamanitra," (Sweet, or Fragrant, Lord). In the Malagasy belief, the dead serve as a person that goes between the living world and the supreme being. These dead are believed to be able to change people's fortune. In other words, they can affect living people's luck.
 * The dead, are known on earth as "gods on earth." They are considered to be an important part of family life and are involved in the every day lives of their living family members in personal ways. The Malagasy people believe that the living people are just extensions of the dead.

Religions:

 * A recent survey in Madagascar showed that fifty five percent of the population still believes in the traditional beliefs that are listed above.
 * Forty percent of the population have Christian beliefs, and the other 5 percent have Muslim beliefs.

National Holidays:
There are 9 national holidays celebrated in Madagascar. On these 9 days, the government of Madagascar shuts down as well as being a public holiday.
 * One of these holidays is on March 29th. This is called the day for Commemoration. On this day, the country remembers all who sacrificed (gave up) and lost their lives in the country's revolt against French domination.
 * Another holiday is on June 26th. This is the day that Madagascar celebrates its independence as a country. It is considered to be the most important holiday in the country.
 * (Map of World)

Societal Expectations:
This section is currently under construction. Please check back later for updated information!!!

Education:
Education is divided into three different groups: Vocational school is also offered in Madagascar. In 2000-2002, 33% of school aged children did not have access to primary education.
 * Primary: Ages 6-11
 * Secondary: Ages 12-15
 * Senior: Ages 16-18

Language:
(Word Press)
 * The main language in Madagascar is "Malagasy Language." This is the primary language that is spoken on the island. There are different strands of the language that are spoken throughout the island but they all contain common words so communication is not a problem.
 * Another main language on the island is French. This language stems from the country's time being under French domination. Both French and Malagasy are used by the government in their official publications. (Map of World)
 * Madagascar is hoping to introduce English as a third language to the island so that it is easier for its visitors to communicate while they are spending time on the island.
 * Greeting phrases:
 * "Salama Tompoko" is the official traditional greeting in Malagasy.
 * "Manao ahoana Tompoko," is considered the more modern greeting in Malagasy.

Music:

 * Traditional Folk Music: Malagasy traditional folk music was popular on the island for most of the country's history. It is still used on the island during Midnight Feasts. To see traditional Madagascar folk music and dancing, click here:
 * [|Madagascar Folk]
 * Pop Music: Pop music was introduced into the island during the 1950s and 1960s. It came to the island because pop music was going international and the locals started adopting some of the sounds of the music. They did create their own version of the music by making it in a 12/8 beat while most music is in a 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 beat.
 * Tsapika: This is the Malagasy form of country music. Unlike traditional American country music, tsapika is sped up and has more energy to it.
 * (World Music National Geographic)

Food:

 * In Madagascar, eating "healthy" is considered eating a lot. A typical meal consists of a big serving of rice, many sauces, meat, vegetables, and spicy seasonings.
 * Some of the local foods are: Ravitoto (meat and leaves cooked together), Ramazava (leaves and pieces of beef or pork browned in oil), and Ro (beef and pork marinated in vinegar, water, and oil, and then cooked with leaves, onions, pickles, and other vegetables seasoned with pimento). For more foods and drinks, click
 * ===[|here.]===

Sports: (Map of World) Art:
 * The most popular sports in Madagascar are:
 * Basketball
 * Football (what we call soccer)
 * Swimming
 * Cycling
 * Tennis
 * Boxing
 * Madagascar has participated in the World Olympics since 1964. Although many of the athletes in Madagascar are good at what they do and show a high skill level, they are still low in the international rankings.
 * Here are two examples of traditional art in Madagascar:

(The two images above are taken from www.images.google.com)

Malagasy Pop Music : National Geographic World Music. (n.d.). Home : National Geographic World Music. Retrieved December 8, 2010, from [|http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic]

Tahina. (n.d.). How do Malagasy People Greet « Madagascar not the Movie. Madagascar not the Movie. Retrieved December 8, 2010, from []

(Madagascar - Traditional Beliefs and Religion. (n.d.). Country Studies. Retrieved December 6, 2010, from [])

Madagascar Public Holidays. (n.d.). World Map, Map of the World. Retrieved December 8, 2010, from http://www.mapsofworld.com/madagascar/information/public-holidays.html
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