Madagascar - Getting Married

ProcedureEdit

The first and most important tradition is called the vodiondry (literally meaning lambs rump). Without this ceremony, the couple would not be considered married and if they were to appear in public it would bring disgrace to their friends, family and community
Vodiondry is a sign of respect and a way for the groom to thank the brides parent for raising such a beautiful and wonderful daughter. Often, the groom will offer a gift to the brides brother as well, called tampi-maso (meaning eyewear). This is traditionally meant as a decoy to distract the brother so that he forgets its sorrow at losing his sister.
The wedding ceremony takes the form of verbal jousting or kabary between representatives of both parties. Each family will choose a spokesperson or mpikabary who is well versed in kabary. The spokesperson begins the ceremony by apologizing profusely from his or her inadequacies (anytime you speak in public you have to be humble), then presents the history and genealogy of the family, and then begins praising the bride.
Once the families have given the bride and groom their blessings, the brides family receives the vodiondry. A lamb is slaughtered for the occasion and a number of live zebus are given as a dowry. In highland areas, money now takes the place of both the zebu and the lamb. The groom also offers a gift to his wife; generally a lamba (a silk stole) which is a symbol of their union. Finally, the oldest and most respected family members give the couple their blessings.
During a grand wedding feast, the newly weds enjoy a meal together. Originally, the meal of newlyweds was served on the fandambanana or on a clay plate. This has special significance, and signifies a wish to live a long and healthy life. It is also a reminder of the fragility of relationships. The couple are must eat from one spoon carved from black horn, which expresses that now they are one. The colour black also signifies a wish for long life. The meal is usually made up of a mixture of rice with milk and honey.
After the meal, guests offer the newlyweds gifts such as a mattress, wardrobe, bed and other various utensils. Once the ceremony is over, the newlyweds travel to their home with their gifts and begin their life together.

Required DocumentsEdit

Birth certificate (registry office)
Reporting certificate (municipality)
The proof that there are no marriage obstacles
The divorce document (court) if necessary

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Constance Tsarabanjina

B.P. 380, Helville 2007
Nosy Be
Madagascar
Tel: (261) 032 02 152 29

CONSTANCE HOTELS & RESORTS

Central Reservation Office
Poste de Flacq
Central Reservation Office
Mauritius - Indian Ocean
Tel: (230) 402 2774 / 402 2775
Fax: (230) 402 2616

Wedding Hotels in Antananarivo

EligibilityEdit

The legal age of marriage is 18 years for both genders

FeesEdit

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

ValidityEdit

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to UseEdit

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

InstructionsEdit

As it is not very easy for non-residents to get married in Madagascar, we recommend you have a marriage blessing on this beautiful island, but the ceremony will not be legal. You can overcome this hurdle by taking care of the legalities in your home country before you fly out to Madagascar, and then having a full ceremony on the island with perhaps a lemur or two as your witnesses

Required InformationEdit

Your name
Sex
Date and place of birth
Nationality
Personal identification document number
Marital status (never married or divorced or widowed)
The name of your fiance/fianc

Need for the DocumentEdit

In Madagascar, marriage does not give rise to a new, distinct entity, but serves chiefly to continue the life of the broader family. It provides for a flow of life, that the life received from the ancestors will be passed on from generation to generation.

Traditional, civil, and church-sanctioned marriages are recognized, with one or more types applying in any given case. Regardless of the form of marriage, most unions today are formed by joint consent with the institution of arranged marriage decreasing in frequency.

When a family does arrange a marriage, it is generally with the purpose of securing or strengthening familial and social relationships. Marriage patterns vary according to socioeconomic status and have political implications in that they are intended to preserve or increase wealth, power, and prestige. However, the majority of marriages are traditional in nature

Information which might helpEdit

All documents must be translated into French as certified copies. If you havent mastered the French language, you should seek an interpreter also to be present at the wedding.

Getting married is a big step and will significantly affect many areas in your life.

External LinksEdit

http://www.marryabroad.co.uk/how-to-marry-in-madagascar.shtml

http://africasafariblog.com/?p=3035

http://www.madagaskar-travel.de/EN/madagaskar-landesinformationen/madagaskar-heiraten.html

http://www.eloperite.com/madagascar-marriage-requirements

http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Madagascar.html

http://www.population.gov.mg/

OthersEdit

Vodiondry is a gift given by the groom to the brides family. It is offered as a consolation to the parents who are losing their cherished daughter. While some might think that the groom is buying his bride, this is not the case.