Introduction
We Malagasy believe the existence of the spirits which are the body vitality. For us, the dead continue to entertain a relation with alive people through these spirits. We also believe in God called Zanahary, and we always thank Zanahary at the beginning of any kabary in order to show respect to Him. In our custom, ancestors play an intermediate role between God an people, that's the reason why we Malagasy practice the cult of ancestors.
What is Fitampoha?
Fitampoha is one of the Malagasy customs in the region of Menabe, the western part of Madagascar, which was occupied originally by the Sakalava tribe. People in that region celebrate the relics because, in their opinion, sovereigns do not stop to be sovereigns even in their demure.
To be precise, fitampoha is a cult to celebrate the rites of the Dady wash, or the bath of the royal ancestors' relics which contain mainly teeth, hair, and finger nails. During the celebration, these idols are washed carefully with affection, using accessories such as dusters, honey, olive oil, and vegetable soaps known as fihositry. The sacred house, or zomba, in which the relics are stored, dwelled in a village called Belo Tsiribihina.
Fitampoha is managed by the royal family and the keeper or guard of the Dady--the royal ancestor's relics. The Sakalava slaughter on average 20 oxen for the ceremony, and all the tribe contribute to the expenses for the realization. This is why fitampoha covers a national character.
The ceremony is held in the sacred Tsiribihy river. It has traditionally been practiced every year during the Asaramanitra month (July). Today, fitampoha is realized every ten years.
Definition of Fitampoha
The word fitampoha comes from the term mitampoka, which, in the region of Menabe, refers to the act of bathing or also mampandro. This word is related to the following sacred terms.
- Zomba: sacred house.
- Folaky: death.
Fitampoha is defined as the ritual ceremony of the Dady bath, that is to say, bath of the religious relics of the old Maroseranana kings.
The Ancestors Relics
There exist nine relics of the Menabe kings:
- Andriamisara
- Andriamandresy
- Andriamihamigna (Andriandahifotsy)
- Andriamanitriarivo
- Andrianilainarivo
- Andriatoharanarivo (Toera's father)
- Andriamanotroarivo (Narova)
- Andriamandrainarivo (Resaotsy)
- Andriamihoatsiarivo (Kamamy's father)
The relics comprise hair, nails, teeth, and bones from the kings' skeletons. They are conserved in a bag along with teeth of a cayman caught alive. This bag is kept in a great trunk made of iron and given to a keeper. Only the keeper is allowed to enter the sacred house where these relics are stored.
In Sakalava customs, the bath of the Dady allows the kings to get the sacred character of ancestors, which is the principal condition of the kingdom existence.
Purposes of the Realization
Fitampoha can be considered as the main primordial of the ancestors' cult, which has traditionally been the only religion for the Sakalava. It is also regarded as a political institution since it is aimed at symbolizing the supernatural power of the royal ancestors.
During the ceremony, the royal ancestors manifest themselves through possessed people known as Bilo. This allows them to show to the alive people their existence and their power. Hence, fitampoha is also a way of communication between the living and the dead.
The Roles of Fitampoha
Fitampoha plays four essential roles.
a-) It offers a measure of forgiveness since people are obliged to settle their differences during the ceremony.
b-) It also plays the role of reconciliation between spouses who have been separated. It imposes the return of the leaving spouse to his/her conjugal house.
c-) Fitampoha gathers the whole tribe together except those who are forbidden to assist the ceremony (e.g. slaves).
d-) The collective contribution towards the expenses incurred in preparation for this event allows the family to renew their links.
The Obligation Born by the Celebration
The Preparation Committees
The preparation of fitampoha makes everybody aware of their responsibilities, including the sovereign.
- The king and his counselors organize the lohavony rite which consists of praying for the ancestors' blessing to the Menabe people and their prince. This is an opportune moment to communicate the date of Fitampoha to the royal ancestors.
- One month before, the king asks his sons or counselors to announce to the Menabe people the observance of fitampoha.
- The people take care of gathering the rice, firewood, and the oxen to be slaughtered for the ceremony.
The Organizer Committees
This committee comprises the king and his counselors. They have the following roles:
- Gather all off the gifts.
- Collect the nonemployed things during the ceremony.
- Receive oxen brought by each family for the offering.
- Maintain order and the public security.
The Taboos
- It is forbidden to do funeral ceremony during the rite.
- Recently bereaved family cannot attend the ceremony.
- It is forbidden to steal the sacred objects such as relics, etc.
See also: The Proceedings of Fitampoha
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