With us, in Madagascar, despite a fairly harsh winter, people do not forget to cultivate their zest for life. It’s between July and October that we can feel the feast spirits.
Shortly, winter in Madagascar is traditionally festive. Betrayal (dead exhumation ), Fisemana (a purification ceremony specific to the Antakarana ethnic group)… But the most spectacular winter tradition undoubtedly remains the “Didim-poitra” or circumcision.
Circumcision in Madagascar, more than a custom
Circumcision is a ritual ablation of the foreskin practiced by all Malagasy (except certains Antandroy clans in the south). This ceremony has several appellations according to ethnic groups . «Didim-poitra", «Famorana»,“Fahasoavan-jaza” in the Imerina Region, "Savatse" in the Southwest region and "Sambatra" in the Southeast region.
Certainly, rituals vary by region, but the procedures are often the same. For Antabahoaka people, for example, the “Sambatra” takes place every 7 years in October while practicing annually in other regions of Madagascar.
Roots and birth of circumcision in Madagascar
Ancient accounts mention King Andriamanelo as the instigator of this ancient rite. Remember that this civilizing king of the sixteenth century is behind many important innovations such as the forge of iron or the consumption of zebu meat..
Later, this custom was promoted to national festivity by Andrianampoinimerina. It was during the latter's reign that the practice of "Didim-poitra" saw its last improvements and its peak. So, the king instituted a septennial circumcision (every 7 years ago ) compulsory in his kingdom.
But why every 7 years? Because the year of Friday only comes back every 7 years ago . Or, circumcision in Madagascar must take place in a year that begins with a Friday, which is a sacred day for the Malagasy. Till today, this ritual still really important among the Antambahoaka ethnic group from Mananjary.
Only, this seven-year celebration had its last days in 1869 in the region of Imerina, under the reign of Ranavalona the second who had just abandoned the traditional Malagasy religion in favor of Christianism. Since, this ceremony has no longer become public and is done privately.
The symbolism of circumcision in Madagascar
Although circumcision in Madagascar is similar, At first glance, to simple rejoicing, this ancestral rite actually has deep meaning. The symbolism that emerges from this practice is that by abandoning his foreskin, the little boy acquires his status as a man. Besides, an uncircumcised man will have no chance with a woman and cannot be buried in the family grave (fasan-drazana).
How a circumcision takes place in Madagascar?
So that destiny (tonom-bitana) of the little boy be strong and supportive, its circumcision must be done in period of rising moon. The full moon is not recommended, because it would cause severe bleeding.
Usually, circumcision in Madagascar takes place in the boy's house to be circumcised. The operation will be done at dawn (ideally before 5 in the morning), but the day before, at dusk (somambisamby), a young man whose father and mother are still alive (live by parents, zaza tsy kamboty), will be responsible for recovering sacred water or "rano mahery" at the foot of a mountain. This water will be used to clean the hands of the traditional healer or "rain-jaza", the knife (or a slice of bamboo) and the wound left by the operation. Sugar cane stalks (to wish a "sweet" life or a happy life) and bananas (to have male descendants) are also placed in the house. The family will be celebrating throughout the evening where feasts, chants, et «toaka gasy» will be served profusely. The men who will take part in the ritual will have to observe 8 fasting days before circumcision. They will also have to do various chores and all household chores, otherwise the little boy will be coward..
D-day, only men (grandfather, dad, uncles) are allowed to take part in the ceremony. The “rain-jaza” will cut the foreskin with a knife or bamboo slice. The blood that spills on the ground symbolizes the unification of the little boy with the land of his ancestors.
Depending on the tribes, it will be the grandfather or the maternal uncle (zaman-jaza) who will swallow the foreskin, with a banana as a side dish. The child is then greeted by a cheering crowd that fills him with gifts. the words «arahaba ririnina e !»Is pronounced to congratulate and wish happiness to the boy and the parents.
At the end of the celebration, the family pays the rain-jaza with cash, a rooster or a chicken.
Traditional Malagasy circumcision is a practice still preserved in Madagascar. However, some parents are opting for more modern methods today. Like American circumcision or cauterization for hygiene reasons. The cost of such operations remains high for an average Malagasy income.
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