Difference between revisions of "Betsileo"

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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.  
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="margin-right:10px;"><tr>
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<td valign="top">[[Image:Bara_people_02.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Bara men on their field]]</td>
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<td valign="top">[[Image:Bara_people_07.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Traditional farming]]</td>
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<td valign="top">[[Image:Bara_people_04.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Traditional farming]]</td></tr></table>
  
 
The ceremony of [[Famadihana]] - ''turning of the bones'' was introduced to the Betsileo people by the Merina during the time of Queen {{nowrap begin}}Ranavalona I.{{nowrap end}} 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.
 
The ceremony of [[Famadihana]] - ''turning of the bones'' was introduced to the Betsileo people by the Merina during the time of Queen {{nowrap begin}}Ranavalona I.{{nowrap end}} 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.

Revision as of 20:37, 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.

Bara women selling drinks outside the small town of Ranohira

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.

Bara men on their field
Traditional farming
Traditional farming

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.