In Malagasy culture, fady are a wide range of cultural prohibitions or taboos. People, places, actions or objects may be the subject of fady which vary by region. The taboos are believed to be enforced by supernatural powers and are particularly connected with Malagasy ancestor worship. Although some help nationwide, others may be particular to regions, villages or even individual families. Fady are an integral part of Malagasy identity and play on important part in community and identity formation.
Ancestral Fady: These taboos are often associated with honouring ancestors and maintaining a spiritual connection with the past. For example, families may have specific Fady related to ancestral tombs, requiring certain rituals and behaviours.
Environmental Fady: Madagascar’s unique ecosystem has led to the development of Fady related to nature and resource use. These taboos are essential for conservation efforts, protecting sensitive habitats, and ensuring sustainable resource management.
Social Fady: These taboos pertain to social interactions and behaviours within the community. They guide proper conduct, such as appropriate dress codes, greetings, and gender roles.
Personal Fady: Individuals may have personal Fady based on their experiences, dreams, or other personal factors. These can be highly idiosyncratic and may change over time.
Local community visits
On our tours often we have visits to local communities or into peoples homes. In Madagascar it is very traditional for the women to be covered, much like in other countries. Women in Madagascar wear a LAMBA, a piece of material wrapped around their waists, this serves two purposes. The first to be respectful and the second to keep their day to day clothes clean when they are cooking in the home or working out in the field. We therefore ask to be respectful of this tradition and wear long trousers or purchase a lamba in a local market at the start of your trip. Your guide will help you buy a lamba if wanted, either on a town tour if this is part of your trip or before visiting local communities.
Local houses
Things to consider when entering a local home
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