Difference between revisions of "Betsileo"
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Betsileo literally means ''The many invincibles''. About 12% of the population of Madagascar are Betsileo. The majority of them live in the central highlands south of the [[Merina]] around [[Fianarantsoa]]. About 150,000 have their home in the Betsiboka region. | Betsileo literally means ''The many invincibles''. About 12% of the population of Madagascar are Betsileo. The majority of them live in the central highlands south of the [[Merina]] around [[Fianarantsoa]]. About 150,000 have their home in the Betsiboka region. | ||
| − | [[File: | + | [[File:Betsileo_01.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Betsileo man near Tsara Camp]] |
The Betsileo culture is similar to their Merina neighbours. The Betsileo are reputedly the best farmers in Madagascar and therefore well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife. | The Betsileo culture is similar to their Merina neighbours. The Betsileo are reputedly the best farmers in Madagascar and therefore well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife. | ||
Revision as of 21:02, 28 December 2009
Betsileo literally means The many invincibles. About 12% of the population of Madagascar are Betsileo. The majority of them live in the central highlands south of the Merina around Fianarantsoa. About 150,000 have their home in the Betsiboka region.
The Betsileo culture is similar to their Merina neighbours. The Betsileo are reputedly the best farmers in Madagascar and therefore well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife.
The ceremony of Famadihana - turning of the bones was introduced to the Betsileo people by the Merina during the time of Queen Ranavalona I. Like many other ethnical groups, also the Betsileo are superstitious. For example, it is fady to start a meal before the father or the most honourable person is present. For a husband it is fady to wear a lamba (traditional blanket) thrown over his shoulder during the pregnancy of his wife.
