What is the meaning of Christmas in Madagascar?

[♥Dany♥]

Article of Wikianswers http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_christmas_in_madagascar

Christmas in Madagascar means a time of festivities for the people of the island. The day of Christmas is celebrated by the Christian population living in Madagascar. However, celebration of Christmas in Madagascar is somewhat different from the celebrations in other parts of the world.

The environmental conditions of the island does not approve of more deforestation. So, the concept of decorating a Christmas tree is not usually followed. Some pine trees are available in the stores of the capital city but the stocks are quite limited. Christmas Trees, therefore, do not form an essential part of Christmas celebrations in Madagascar.

The figure of Santa Claus is an integral part of Christmas in Madagascar. Santa Claus is lovingly called 'Dadabe Noely' in Madagascar. The name means Grandfather Christmas and signifies the essence of the festival.

Churches and homes in Madagascar are not so well-decorated as compared to Western countries because of scarcity of funds. The money is instead spent for buying hard candy for the children and new clothes for the whole family. Carols form an important part of Christmas celebrations in Madagascar. Children and adults alike participate in singing Christmas carols.

Christmas Eve is most important for the children who participate in singing carols in the churches. Christmas in Madagascar also marks the baptism of many children. Holy Communion is generally held on the day after Christmas.

Christmas in Madagascar comes during the summer months. Picnics and parties are arranged on this day. Another common custom of Christmas in Madagascar is that people visit their elders and other respectable persons of the area. Filled with fun and frolic, Christmas in Madagascar is one of the chief festivities of the island.

[Mika Leuck]

I like the name Dadabe Noely :-) In Hawaii Santa wears shorts and shows the shaka hand gesture.

[Daniel Leuck]

Thank you for sharing this description of Christmas in Madagascar. We hope to experience it someday!

I agree that the use of cut Christmas trees in areas suffering from deforestation is a bad idea. One alternative is the use of adopted potted trees rather than cut trees.

Arahaba tratry ny Krismasy!