Advent/Christmas in Madagascar Christmas is celebrated a bit differently in Madagascar than in the United States. Here are some of the differences one might see: Few Christmas trees - pine is not native to Madagascar and while some can be bought in the capital, the government discourages this use of trees. In fact, deforestation is a major environmental issue in Madagascar. There are few decorations in stores and homes - Christmas is not the major commercial experience it is for many in the United States. Especially the poorer Malagasy have difficulty in just having a special meal for the occasion. Santa Claus is called "Dadabe Noely" or "Grandfather Christmas." He wears a red outfit like in the the United States but he is very thin. He doesn't bring toys; he brings hard candies. In local congregations, the church council doesn't discuss how to decorate the church as much as how much to spend on the hard candy for the children. Just one bag of 100-200 pieces costs about $2. This is a lot for some small country parishes that can't afford to pay their pastor. Caroling is done at Easter (and at midnight at that). Children sing their hearts out for the Sunday School Christmas Eve program, though. Advent is Advent. Very little Christmas programming happens before Christmas - but Christmas programs can stretch to Easter! Christmas Eve is for the children's programs. In some congregations they start at 6pm and continue past midnight without a break in the singing! Even the 3 year olds take part. Christmas Day worship is filled with many special events, usually baptisms. At one congregation recently, there were 116 baptisms on Christmas Day. That is not unusual. Confirmations also may take place. Holy Communion is more likely to be celebrated the following day. You would recognize the tunes of many of the carols, especially if you are Scandinavian in background (the Malagasy Lutheran Church has deep Norwegian roots). You might not know as many verses by heart as they do. Christmas time is summer in Madagascar. People go for picnics or to the beach. New Year's is the bigger party. The greeting "Tratry ny Krismasy" - "be caught by Christmas!" reflects the Malagasy understanding of time. It sort of sneaks up on you and catches you. If you are "caught," you are still here. The response to "Tratry ny Krismasy" is "Samy ho tratry ny ho avy isika" - "May we all be caught by the next one." One visits one's elders, especially the important people like the pastor or synod president, civic leaders, school authorities, etc. A prayer is offered, a greeting - lay people may offer a small sermon about God's grace to the pastor! And, of course, a live chicken for the elder's dinner is offered as a gift. http://www.elca.org/globalmission/resource/advent-christmas-madagascar.html

i really don't know

They do all kinds of things. They celebrate Chrustmas just like in the United States!

they fill the air whith joy