Christmas in Madagascar

Madagascar is an Island off the east coast of Africa, so it is very warm at Christmas time in Madagascar! Even though it's hot, common decorations include holly, robins and snow even though none of them exist in Madagascar! Most Madagascan's only exchange small presents. In Madagascar, Santa Claus is called 'Dadabe Noely'.
Most people go to Church on Christmas Eve in Madagascar. The services start about 5.00pm and last until after midnight! Different groups in the Church, especially children, perform songs and plays celebrating the birth of Jesus. People also go to Church on Christmas Day as well. After the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service, churches give out sweets or biscuits to the people in the Church.

Here are some Madagascan Christmas Carols!:

Sambasamba, Zanahary (Which means 'It's a big opportunity Lord that you send your only Son to save us from our sin')
Tamin'ny nampidinanao
Ny Zanakao malalanao
Mba hisolo ny helokay
Tamin'ny nampidinanao
Ny Zanakao, malalanao, malalanao
Mba hisolo ny helokay

This poem is very popular with all Malagasy Children:

Krismasy re no tonga (Christmas is coming)
Falifaly ny kilonga (Children are happy)
Krismasy tena fety (Chrismas is really a feast)
Ho an'ny kely sy vaventy (For littles and for adults)

On Christmas Day people (even strangers) greet each by saying 'Arahaba tratry ny Noely' which means 'Merry Christmas'.
Madagascan families like to eat Christmas dinner together in large groups and dress up in the best (or new) clothes. The meal is normally Chicken or Pork with rice followed by a special cake. Some rich people go to restaurants for Christmas dinner, but most people stay at home with their families.
A special Christmas food in Madagascar are fresh lychees, which are bought from shops and street sellers, fresh from the trees. The streets get covered in lychee skins!
Poinsettias also grow as large outdoor shrubs in Madagascar and don't just flower at Christmas!


If you would like to find out about any other Christmas tradition.
GO TO:
http://whychristmas.com/cultures

- Emily Roberts