Their main stages of life are marked with ceremonies to maintain order between the human world and the world beyond. The Bara do not pray to God but, to Zanahary who made hands and feet and, many sacrifices for the living and the dead. Rites practiced by the Bara are bilo which is an exorcism through helo, savaste their word for circumcision, various sacrifices, funeral rites and divination. Soro is a prayer offered to the Zanahary and ancestors, it can only be officiated by the patriarch. In case of the bilo (exorcism), sacrifices for marriage are to be made or when there are serious faults committed like incest/breaking taboo sacrifices are required to prevent disastrous consequences. Anyone can call on superhuman powers, especially on the Helo, which are spirits of life, living nature, to make a vow, and to ask a favor in exchange for the sacrifice of a sheep or chicken, for which patriarch’s intervention isn’t required.
Three elements are present for all sacrificial rites. Tata-prayer calling on Zanahary and the ancestors; soro-sacrifice of the victim usually a cow or rice; and tsipirano- a blessing sprinkling of water during prayer or mixture of water and blood after the sacrifice.
African traditional religion, N.d., Electronic document.
http://www.sahistory.org.za/african-traditional-religion, accessed June 3, 2015
Trip down memory lane, 2013, Electronic document.
http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/2013/07/bara-people-madagascarss.html, accessed June 2, 2015
It was very interesting to learn and read about the Bara tribe's religion/rituals. I learned so much from doing research about them. I think it is amazing how so many countries, tribes, colonies etc. can have such different views. To keep a religion going that isn't popular or majority is amazing to me. The Bara tribe practice ATR passionately as well as keep it alive. I think to other people how they view the Bara's religion it is abnormal to them. Some people might think it is unorthodox. Many think that people don't practice religions this way or still have certain traditions.
ReplyDeleteIn our culture it is almost like a foreign language to understand their religion. Many of our religions don't pray to unknown named God's or Saints, most don't practice sacrificing still, and anyone can be of any religion they chose. The Bara tribe and our culture are similar though we both pray, worship, and believe in something/someone. Knowing all of the "standard" religions in our culture then learning about a religion I have never heard of was fascinating. It opens your eyes and mind to learn more.
To me personally I cannot relate very well I was brought up with two religions Catholic as well as Methodist. I can relate to the worship aspect but not the many figure roles and sacrifices. I can however relate to believing in something. In both of our cultures our elders are important figures we respect them and they have authority. My elders like in the Bara tribe are very present throughout my life especially with major events. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico very traditional family house hold and religion was a big part of growing up. I have had access to all the resources I need with my education and learning about this religion I have never heard of was very intriguing. By all means there is nothing wrong with how the practice their religion. Everyone has their own views.