Marriage in Madagascar

Marriage in Madagascar is very important for the families and there are also very different customs among the different tribes.

There are usually three different aspects:

• The Malagasy traditional wedding: a very interesting culture

Traditional marriage is very important to the Malagasy and the procedures are not common compared to Europe. In order for the marriage to be complete, you have to get married both in a civil and religious way. You will find that this culture is very interesting and will give you a good understanding of the Malagasy family.

Originally ...Vodiondry" is the name for the traditional marriage. In the literary sense, it is the croup of a sheep. The part that is given to the elders to pay tribute to them. For the Malagasy, the marriage proposal is not only addressed to the desired girl, but also to their duly gathered family. Meeting a woman to whom one has not yet given the vodiondry is frowned upon in society. To propose marriage is a sign of respect for the family of both parties.

The marriage proposal

Before the vodiondry there are two steps to follow: The first is the "fiantranoana" (entering the house). This is the step where the suitor meets the family of the desired to ask their permission to ask for their hand. If they agree, then one can proceed to the second step, which is "fisehoana" (introduction). This is the first time that the young man's family contacts the girl's family. The two parties then set the date for the continuation of the tradition. In the past, the date was set after consulting the "mpanandro" (astrologer). He determines the correct day based on the "vintana" (astrology) of the two future spouses.

The course of a traditional wedding in Madagascar

Once all the applications are made, the wedding can begin. The basis for this is the "Kabary".

This is a sequence of speeches that can last several hours, with two almost opposing participants who give the floor to each other according to a code established since time immemorial. The first participant is the speaker of the requester, on the side of the young man's family. The second is the speaker of the requested, on the side of the girl's family. The abilities of these speakers reflect the image of the family. The Peculiarity of the "kabary am-panamabadiana" (the speech) is that the names of the ancestors of both families are enumerated to clarify whether there are no relations between them, and to know the ancient history of the families. The role of the speaker from the young man's family is to emphasize the quality of the future husband and the value of these ancestors. Above all, he should have relevant arguments to convince his future family-in-law. In contrast, the role of the speaker from the young woman's family is to have good arguments to show that this family is valuable.

During this speech contest, there is a monetary donation for the future family-in-law of the applicant. There are at least three envelopes to be awarded (parents, brothers and uncles of the girl).

The money does not mean to sell their own child, but to compensate for his absence, since the girl does most of the housework at home. To end this tradition and to lighten the atmosphere a little after long speeches, everyone gathers around a good meal.

After the wedding, the two young people are considered married in the eyes of society and the girl can return to her family-in-law. Sometimes it happens that the two families cannot agree and the wedding is canceled or postponed. This is a shame for the applicant's family. It is worth mentioning that each ethnic group has its personal touch during this wedding.

• 2 The marriage at the registry office

Marriage in most African societies cannot be defined by a specific event. The transition from single to married takes place through some formal and informal steps that are considered legitimate by the whole society. Thus, ceremonies follow one another, from the exchange of family consents to the presentation of the marriage certificate, from the beginning of cohabitation to the birth of the first child.

The officially recognized marriage takes place at the registry office and corresponds to a marriage in Europe.

• 3 The church marriage

Church marriage is not always observed, it can also be as diverse as the myriad of Christian and non-Christian faiths.

• Marriage between European men and native women.

Mixed marriages are very desirable in Madagascar and it is a common privilege when a young woman finds and marries a European man.

Therefore, 99% of expats are married to native women and in most cases, that is, when there is mutual consideration and respect, these marriages are long-lasting. The women often seek more affective stability which is rather difficult to find in purely native marriages.

The opposite, European women with native men is extremely rare.