Madagascar’s culture is a unique blend, a crossroads of Austronesian (Bornean) and East African (Bantu) heritage. This fusion has birthed a complex spiritual landscape with an estimated 500 distinct superstitions, known locally as Fady (taboos). At the heart of Malagasy life are two inseparable concepts: the Razana (the revered and powerful ancestors) and the Fady they impose. These beliefs are not quaint folklore; they are a living, breathing guide for maintaining balance between the living, the dead, and the natural world. From the infamous Aye-Aye lemur to the sacred Zebu, here are some of the most profound beliefs from the “Great Red Island.”
1
Fady (The Taboos)
The core concept. Fady are taboos or forbidden actions. Breaking a Fadyโset by ancestorsโis believed to bring misfortune, illness, or death.
2
Razana (The Ancestors)
The single most important belief. Ancestors are not dead; they are powerful, active forces. All life is lived to honor the Razana and avoid their anger.
3
Pointing with a Straight Finger
It is Fady to point at a tomb, an elder, or a sacred place with a stiff, straight finger. This is seen as aggressive and disrespectful. One should point with a knuckle or pursed lips.
4
The Aye-Aye Lemur
The most famous superstition. The Aye-Aye is seen as a harbinger of death or evil (foken-taka). Seeing one is a terrible omen, and some fady require the animal to be killed to avert disaster.
5
Respect for Tombs
Family tombs are sacred. It is Fady to whistle, run, or be loud near them. You must never relieve yourself near a tomb.
6
Pork Near Tombs
Pork is considered “unclean” for spiritual matters. It is a strict Fady to bring pork (or sometimes even people who have recently eaten it) near a family tomb.
7
Famadihana (Turning of Bones)
A sacred ritual, not a superstition. Bodies of ancestors are exhumed, re-wrapped in silk, and celebrated with the family to maintain the bond between living and dead.
8
Sacred Zebu
The Zebu (humped cattle) is the ultimate symbol of wealth and spiritual connection. They are sacrificed to ancestors, and their horns adorn tombs.
9
Hump of the Zebu
When a Zebu is sacrificed, the prized hump meat is reserved for the most respected elders or honored guests as a sign of high status.
10
Twins (Fady Kamba)
Historically, in the Antambahoaka region, the birth of twins was considered a terrible Fady that brought a curse. This has led to the tragic abandonment of children.
11
Chameleons
Chameleons are deeply respected and feared. They are associated with magic and change. Their slow walk is seen as cautious, and killing one brings great misfortune.
12
Snakes in the House
A snake entering the house is often seen as a messenger from an ancestor. It must not be killed, but rather gently removed and “spoken to.”
13
Fateful Days (Vintana)
The Vintana is the Malagasy concept of destiny, tied to days and times. An Ombiasy (diviner) reads the Vintana to see if a day is lucky or unlucky.
14
Tuesday (Talata)
For many Malagasy, Tuesday is an unlucky day. It is Fady to start a new project, travel, or hold a funeral on a Talata.
15
No Sweeping at Night
Sweeping the house after dark is Fady because it is believed you will sweep away your family’s wealth and good fortune.
16
Sitting in a Doorway
One must not sit or linger in the threshold of a doorway, as this blocks the passage of spirits (both good and bad) and invites poverty.
17
No Singing While Eating
Children are told not to sing while eating. The fady states that if you do, your teeth will grow long and ugly, or your future spouse will be very old.
18
Tapping a Plate
Tapping your spoon or fork on an empty plate is disrespectful to the food and is said to call ancestors’ anger, inviting hunger.
19
Rice Crust (Koba)
The burnt, crusty rice at the bottom of the pot (koba) is not thrown away. It is soaked with water to make a drink (ranovola), and giving it away is like giving away the “soul” of the meal.
20
Pregnancy Cravings
If a pregnant woman’s cravings are not satisfied, it’s believed the baby will be born with a birthmark (milas) related to the food or object she craved.
21
Pregnancy Fady: Goat Meat
In some regions, it is Fady for a pregnant woman to eat goat meat. It’s believed this will make her child stubborn and disobedient, like a goat.
22
Pregnancy Fady: Funerals
A pregnant woman should not attend a funeral or visit a cemetery, as it is believed the spirit of the deceased might harm or “take” the unborn child.
23
Speaking Ill of the Dead
Never speak negatively of an ancestor. The Razana can hear you, and this is one of the fastest ways to bring a curse upon your entire family.
24
Sacred Trees (Hazo Saina)
Certain large, ancient trees (like banyans or baobabs) are considered abodes for spirits. It is Fady to cut them down, urinate on them, or disrespect them.
25
Handing Over Eggs
One should not hand an egg directly to another person. It must be placed down for the other person to pick up, or it will cause arguments.
26
Owl’s Hoot
The owl (vorondolo) is a bird of ill omen. Its hoot near a village is often interpreted as a sign of impending death or sickness.
27
First Harvest
It is Fady for the farmer to eat from the first harvest of rice. An offering must be made to the ancestors first to thank them for the bounty.
28
House Orientation
Traditionally, houses must be built facing west. The north-east corner is the most sacred, reserved for ancestors, and must be kept clean.
29
Sleeping Direction
One should not sleep with their head to the south. This is the direction of tombs and death, and it invites bad dreams and ill health.
30
Cutting Nails at Night
Cutting your fingernails after sunset is Fady. It is believed this “cuts” your life short or invites evil spirits, who are active in the dark.
31
Gifting Lemons
Giving a lemon as a gift is taboo, as the sourness is believed to “sour” the relationship between the giver and receiver.
32
Ody (Amulets)
These are protective amulets or charms, prescribed by an Ombiasy. They can contain sacred wood, herbs, or stones to ward off illness, Fady, or curses.
33
Money in the Hand
When buying from a market, it’s often considered rude to hand money directly. You should place it on the counter for the vendor to pick up.
34
Sneezing
A sudden sneeze is often interpreted as your ancestor confirming that what was just said is true.
35
Dreaming of Zebu
Dreaming of a fat, healthy Zebu is a sign of great prosperity to come. Dreaming of a skinny or dead Zebu is a warning of financial loss or sickness.
36
Whistling at Night
Whistling indoors at night is strictly Fady. It is believed to be a way to summon snakes or evil spirits into your home.
37
The Color Red
Red is a powerful, sacred color associated with the ancestors, royalty, and life force. It is used in Famadihana shrouds and royal garments.
38
Twitching Eyelid
If your right eye twitches, it means good news or a welcome visitor is coming. If the left eye twitches, it’s a sign of bad news or that someone is gossiping about you.
39
Itchy Palms
An itchy right palm means you are about to receive money. An itchy left palm means you will have to give money or pay an unexpected bill.
40
Spilling Salt
Like in many cultures, spilling salt is bad luck. To counter it, you must immediately throw a pinch over your left shoulder to “blind the devil.”
41
Water in Dreams
Dreaming of clear, calm water is a sign of peace and good fortune. Dreaming of dirty, turbulent water is a warning from an ancestor about illness or social trouble.
42
Killing a Dog
Dogs are often seen as protectors. Killing a dog, even accidentally, is a strong Fady in many communities, believed to remove your spiritual protection.
43
Passing Rice Paddle
You must never hand someone the sotrobe (rice-serving paddle) directly. This is associated with funeral rites and is bad luck. Place it down instead.
44
Sacred Lakes
Many lakes in Madagascar are considered sacred. It is Fady to fish in them, swim in them, or even wear red clothing near them, as it angers the local spirits.
45
New Moon
The new moon is a powerful time for starting new ventures. It is considered a lucky time to plant crops, build a house, or ask for a blessing.
46
Stepping Over Someone
It is Fady to step over a person who is sitting or lying on the ground. It is believed this will stunt their growth or cause them to become ill.
47
Don’t Call a Baby “Fat”
While a chubby baby is a sign of health, calling it “fat” or “beautiful” can attract evil spirits or misfortune. Instead, one might say “How ugly!” to protect it.
48
Passing Fire
One should not pass a lit ember or match directly from hand to hand. This is believed to pass arguments or “heat” the relationship.
49
First Sale of the Day
For market vendors, the first sale of the day (the tsinay) is crucial. They will often touch the money to their other goods to bring “good luck” to the rest of their products.
50
Telling a Bad Dream
If you have a bad dream, you must tell it to the rising sun or to a flowing river to “wash it away” and prevent it from coming true.
51
Spiders (Tafon-tana)
Spiders are generally seen as good luck. A spider descending from the ceiling is a sign that a visitor is coming. Killing one brings bad luck.
52
Dropping a Spoon
If you drop a spoon, it means a female visitor will soon arrive. If you drop a knife, it will be a male visitor.
53
Rice is Sacred
Rice (vary) is more than food; it is life. Wasting rice, dropping it, or speaking badly of it is a serious Fady that will bring hunger.
54
Changing a Name
If a child is constantly sick, parents may consult an Ombiasy and change the child’s name. This is done to “trick” the evil spirit or curse targeting the child.
55
Fady of the Land
Each region has its own specific Fady. It is Fady to wear red in one forest, or Fady to eat lemur in another. Travelers must ask the local elders for the fady of the area.
56
Kalanchoe Plant
This succulent plant is believed to have powerful protective properties. It is often planted near the home to ward off evil spirits and sorcery.
57
Don’t Talk on the Toilet
It is Fady to talk, sing, or whistle while using the latrine, as this is considered an unclean place and doing so invites spirits (lolo) to bother you.
58
Rooster Crowing at Night
If a rooster crows at an odd time, like midnight, it is a terrible omen. It signifies a death in the community or an impending disaster.
59
Gifting Sharp Objects
Never give a knife or scissors as a gift. It is believed this will “cut” the friendship. The receiver must “buy” it from the giver for a tiny coin.
60
Lending Money at Night
It is Fady to lend money after the sun has set. It’s believed the money (and your luck) will “disappear into the darkness” and never return.
61
Walking Backwards
Walking backwards is considered extremely unlucky. It “invites” your ancestors to call you to the grave sooner.
62
Left Hand Taboo
The left hand is considered “unclean.” You must always give and receive items, especially food and money, with your right hand as a sign of respect.
63
The Sea (Andriaka)
The sea is powerful and home to spirits. Many Fady apply, such as not pointing at the ocean or not bringing pork to the beach.
64
Hair Clippings
One must be very careful when disposing of cut hair or nails. If an evil person (mpamosavy) gets them, they can be used in a curse against you.
65
Empty House at Night
A house should never be left completely empty at night. It is believed an empty, dark house invites wandering spirits to take up residence.
66
Black Butterfly
A black butterfly or moth flying into the house is a messenger from an ancestor. It’s seen as a sign of an impending visit or important news.
67
Hearing Your Name
If you hear your name called but see no one, do not answer. It is believed to be a spirit (lolo) trying to lure your soul away.
68
The Indri Lemur
Unlike the Aye-Aye, the Indri is revered. It’s called Babakoto (“Ancestor of Man”). It is Fady to hunt or eat the Indri, as they are seen as sacred ancestors of the forest.
69
Blowing Out a Fire
It is disrespectful to blow out a flame with your breath. Fire is sacred, and it should be snuffed out or allowed to die on its own.
70
Entering a Village
When visiting a new, rural village, you must first greet the chief (Mpanjaka) and ask for the fady of the land. Ignoring this is the highest form of disrespect.
References
- Wikipedia โ “Fady” โ A detailed article explaining the complex system of taboos (Fady) in Madagascar, their origins, and regional variations.
- Wikipedia โ “Malagasy people (Religion and beliefs)” โ Provides context on the central role of ancestors (Razana) and the syncretic nature of Malagasy spirituality.
- Duke University Lemur Center โ “Aye-Aye” โ An academic resource from a world-renowned institution detailing the biology and the powerful, negative superstition surrounding the Aye-Aye.
- JSTOR (African Arts) โ “The Aye-Aye: A New Look at an Old Problem” โ An academic journal entry analyzing the cultural and historical roots of the Aye-Aye fady.