Customs and traditions of Mayottes
Comorians are a complex polyethnic nation formed from representatives of African peoples, Malgasha (Malagasy, Austronesian Family), Arabs and Persian Peoples. In addition to various subecadical groups (Antaloto, Kafre, Makoa, Oimatsakh, Sakalava and others), each of which still retains its national traditions to one degree or another, the French live on the islands (quite apart from indigenous inhabitants of the islands), immigrants from India and Africa and Southeast Asia. So diverse mixing of peoples and cultures, and even with the strong influence of France, creates very motley cultural traditions here.
Almost all religious flows of the planet will be confused on the islands, however, the dominant religious group – Muslim Sunni – leads its origin from immigrants from the Arabian Peninsula and Persian-Shirazie (Syraza). Although here, as in other Islamic countries, the use of alcohol is not approved, and the mosques are the main cultural and religious centers, the local species of Islam differs somewhat more tolerance than in the north of the bay countries, and more close to African traditions. However, the beliefs of local peoples are clearly noticeable and traces of animism (first of all, it can be traced in the fear of various evil spirits, traditionally called jinny here). A great influence has a Christian culture, rolling with Islam completely peaceful.
Despite the fact that the local version of Islam is very tolerated to other religious flows (for example, alcohol is not officially prohibited and accessible in hotels and restaurants), local residents expect from the guests of respect for their own way of life – the use of alcohol in public places is not strongly recommended, and in the holy month of Ramadan Most of the lifestyle in a bright time of day closed.
Majoreans are quite calmly relate to clothing, using both European costume, and traditional Comoroic elements, combining a row steamed pair, traditional Islamic clothing "Candza" And embroidered hat "Cofia". Comorian women, as it should be Muslims, dress quite modestly. Head scarf, hijab or cape "Purda" considered a sign of good tone for women. However, there are also dressed people who are completely in Europe (first of all, officials, businessmen and employees of trading companies), and the female suit itself is still noticeably more "Volgomet" cut than in traditional Islamic countries. Also popular colorful sari or "Chomani", which are usually complemented by yellowish paste "Msidzana" from the sandalwood and coral imposed on face like a mask. There are no special restrictions on the form of clothing for tourists here, with the exception of quite reasonable modesty requirements, when visiting mosques, cemeteries and other cult places, as well as the undesirability of beachwear outside the coastal trait. Nudism and topless are not officially prohibited, but it is strongly recommended to refrain from this method of rest.
In general, Mahoreans (Makhore) are very friendly to representatives of other denominations and differ in friendly and calm character. So far, in the go, the tradition to greet with each opponent (I am expected from tourists, and a smile is obligatory – the locals give this gesture friendliness of particular attention). Impropulating norms of behavior are respect for the elder and observance of the original customs of the peoples of the islands. However, the Western Type Education System and the strong influence of the French lifestyle lead to the formation of young people with a completely European system of values and behaviors, which often come into conflict with local regulations, but they will often grow into conflicts – local residents are very tolerant to the manifestation of someone else’s lifestyle.
Until now, the clan principle of building a society is used. Family and generic relations are very strong. At the same time, the characteristic feature is the special pride of local residents who have achieved a certain independence and position in society, however, close relationship with the parental house and relatives is strongly emphasized and cultivated. Elders of families enjoy almost indisputable authority, as well as religious figures (imams and heads of fraternity). Despite the general secular principle of island management, Islamic laws and traditions often have a greater impact than various government acts – no important decision will be made without the consent of Mullah or approval "Cadi".
An indicator of the level of social status here is primarily an education, and only then wealth.
Unique Comorian tradition – "Aruci" ("Grand Mariazh", or "Big wedding") – is not just a marriage rite, but a whole festival of folk traditions. This is usually a predetermined union between the older man and a more young woman when the groom should pay all the festivities for guests from the whole village lasting 18 days (the so-called "Toarab"). He must also buy dowry for his bride, which must include expensive clothing, gold and jewels. How compensation for possible poverty of the bridegroom gets the right to wear a special belt "M’Ruma", which proves his privileged status as a warrior and men. Like on the Comoros themselves, the house is given by the parents of the bride, they also have a strong impact on the whole life of the family in the future. The pomp and the wealth of the wedding are often used to mark or raise the social and political status of a man. Here you can see folk dances and hear traditional local music in its best options. At the same time, the divorce and the new marriage here is not at all. Inheritance, by the way, is required by the male line. The land of the elder family members is transmitted or to all children together, or is divided into a share, and the girls often get markedly large put on the boys. But at home and jewels are inherited only to girls.
A typical local house is built from "Koba" (clay mixed with rice straw, coconut branches or palm fiber). Local dwellings are small (usually 2-3 rooms) and in their architecture and decoration are noticeably losing enough for enough buildings of the northern part of Komor. However, it is customary to paint at home in a bright color, which gives settlements a rather colorful look. Total 75% of buildings have electricity, and the situation with water supply and sewage system is quite uneven – in the capital and large settlements of the coast of more than 80% of houses have these "benefits of civilization", and in the provincial villages there are practically no.
The invitation to visit the local house is considered to be a great honor, and it should not be abandoned. When visiting any comor house or ceremony, it is recommended to give the owners small presents (sweets, souvenirs, some food, in rare cases – a bottle of rum or cigarette, you can not give money!). Respectively should be treated for many local taboos ("Fadi"), but since their system is quite extensive and confused, it is not easy enough. It is recommended to simply listen to the councils of the service personnel or consulting from conductors, guides or ordinary komutors.
Take food, money and things follow only right (!) hand, because in Islam left hand is considered unclean (hygienic need is sent). Touch to someone, especially to the head, without explicitly, it is not recommended. Soles should not be sent to whose side. During the handshake, you should not look into the eye to the interlocutor, and it is impossible to keep another hand in your pocket or intensively swing her in the air. You can not bypass praying in front. At the entrance to the mosque and houses you should shoot shoes. Kissing publicly or exchanged other explicit marks of attention between representatives of the opposite sex here is categorically not recommended.
