Abandoned at birth: the cursed twins of Madagascar | Unreported World

Summary

In rural Madagascar, taboos handed down from ancestors significantly influence daily life. A striking taboo in the town of Mananjary deems twins as cursed, leading to their abandonment and ostracism. The documentary follows Ursula, who defied the taboo to keep her twins, and other families forced to live in makeshift camps. Efforts to change these beliefs are underway, but progress is slow. Meanwhile, some twins find refuge and new homes through local support and international adoption, illustrating the complex struggle between traditional beliefs and modern values.

Takeaways

• 🛑 In rural Madagascar, a set of taboos, handed down from long-dead ancestors, control various aspects of life, including behavior, diet, and work.
• 🌍 In the town of Mananjary, twins are considered cursed according to local taboos, leading to severe consequences for families with twins.
• 👶 Ursula, a mother of twins, faced ostracism and had to move in with her sister after refusing to abandon her children.
• 🏕️ A camp on the outskirts of Mananjary houses several families of twins who have fled their villages due to the taboo.
• 🏠 The mayor of Mananjary, Martel Razafindrakoto, is working to provide homes for these families and fight against the twin taboo.
• 🏥 Many twins end up in an orphanage, funded by a French charity, even though their parents are alive but unable to keep them due to the taboo.
• 🚤 The origins of the taboo are linked to historical events and ancestral beliefs, making it challenging to change.
• 🗣️ Younger generations and some local leaders express a desire to move away from the twin taboo and its harsh implications.
• 👩‍🍼 Some individuals in the community, like Juliet, a local teacher, adopt and care for abandoned twins, showcasing changing attitudes.
• 🛡️ Despite efforts to change perceptions, many traditional leaders remain resistant to altering the taboo, believing it deeply rooted in their culture and history.

Q & A

What role do taboos play in rural Madagascar?

Taboos or prohibitions handed down from long-dead ancestors control various aspects of daily life, including what people eat, when they work, and how they behave.

Why are twins considered cursed in certain parts of Madagascar?

In some tribes, including the Antambahoaka, there is a belief that twins bring misfortune. This taboo leads to twins being rejected and their families facing social exclusion.

How did Ursula respond to the taboo against twins?

Ursula refused to abandon her twins despite the taboo. She moved in with her sister and mother after her husband insisted she give up the children.

What challenges do families with twins face in Madagascar?

Families with twins often face social ostracism and are forced to leave their villages. They struggle with finding stable housing and employment, and often live in impoverished conditions.

What support is available for families with twins in Madagascar?

The mayor of Mananjary has provided land for families with twins to live on and is working to build more permanent housing for them. Additionally, there is an orphanage called the Catcher Center, funded by a French charity, that cares for abandoned twins.

How do local authorities in Mananjary address the twin taboo?

Local authorities, including the mayor, are determined to help banish the taboo. They provide support to affected families and work to change societal attitudes towards twins.

What happens to abandoned twins in Mananjary?

Abandoned twins are often taken to the Catcher Center orphanage, where they receive care. Many of these children are eventually adopted by families in France.

What was the outcome of the meeting with the village chiefs regarding the twin taboo?

The meeting with the village chiefs ended in a deadlock. The chiefs were not ready to change their minds about the taboo, indicating that it may take decades for attitudes to shift.

How did Juliette, a local teacher, respond to adopting an abandoned twin?

Juliette was ecstatic at the chance of being a mother. She named the baby Niato, meaning 'to rise,' and showed a stark contrast in attitude compared to the villagers who abandoned the child.

What does the future hold for the twin taboo in Madagascar?

There is hope that the twin taboo will eventually fade as societal attitudes evolve. Urban areas like Mananjary are already showing signs of moving on from these beliefs, and people like Juliette embody this change.