Native inhabitants of the island of Madagascar are called Malagasy. The island is called “Madagasikara” in the Malagasy language. Eighty percent of the country is living in poverty. Only eighteen percent of schools have access to drinking water, and only thirty percent have toilets. Forty percent of Malagasy children suffer from malnutrition (Life in Madagascar).
Children of this country often live with other relatives as they grow up. Children are taught what to do, and what not to do, by the use of stories of disobedient children in the past (Culture of Madagascar). Ceremonies specific to childhood consist of the first hair cutting and circumcision. An astrologer will be asked to choose a date for these ceremonies. Education is required from ages six to fourteen, but sometimes children will work with their families to help make money. These children that do not attend school will acquire wisdom from their elders. The children of Madagascar are expected to be respectful of their elders and cultural customs. …show more content…
For example, New Year’s Eve, Easter, Labour Day, and Christmas are celebrated very similarly to the way American’s celebrate. Madagascar also celebrates many festivals throughout the year with dancing, partying, and feasting. They also celebrate many holidays that we are not familiar with, here in America. For instance, Famadihana is a traditional, three month event, beginning in June. Famadihana means “turning of the bones” (Adventure Tourism). During this ritual, recently deceased family members bodies are reopened, re-dressed in silk, and then
Children of this country often live with other relatives as they grow up. Children are taught what to do, and what not to do, by the use of stories of disobedient children in the past (Culture of Madagascar). Ceremonies specific to childhood consist of the first hair cutting and circumcision. An astrologer will be asked to choose a date for these ceremonies. Education is required from ages six to fourteen, but sometimes children will work with their families to help make money. These children that do not attend school will acquire wisdom from their elders. The children of Madagascar are expected to be respectful of their elders and cultural customs. …show more content…
For example, New Year’s Eve, Easter, Labour Day, and Christmas are celebrated very similarly to the way American’s celebrate. Madagascar also celebrates many festivals throughout the year with dancing, partying, and feasting. They also celebrate many holidays that we are not familiar with, here in America. For instance, Famadihana is a traditional, three month event, beginning in June. Famadihana means “turning of the bones” (Adventure Tourism). During this ritual, recently deceased family members bodies are reopened, re-dressed in silk, and then