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Some of the zebu’s blood is collected in a
container and participants may, if they wish, mark
their forehead with it as a sign of unity.
Singing and dancing are an integral part of a
Joro
ceremony. During the
Joro
, sharing a
toaka
or
betsa
, a locally produced alcoholic drink, is a
compulsory ritual. If someone cannot drink for
religious or medical reasons, he must apologize.
A refusal to drink without any explanation or an
apology would be interpreted as an insult to the
ancestors.
When the main part of the ceremony is over,
officials and others who want to may leave,
however usually people stay on to enjoy the
festive side of the gathering.
According to laws of the ancestors, a knowledgeable clan representative should ensure the role of master of ceremony throughout
the
Joro
ritual. Depending on the region of Madagascar, this important person is given a different name. In Ambatovy’s area of
intervention, this person is known as a
Tangalamena
. He is a person like any other in everyday life, and is given the respect due to
him by his daily functions, however during traditional ceremonies, he is considered sacred. A
Tangalamena
has no other power than
that of enforcing customs and traditions, and contrary to popular belief, he does not hold any political or administrative role in his
community.
