184 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
and repeat, the national sound “ oo, oo, oo,” in one con¬ 
tinued note, as long as the breath can sustain it. This is 
a usual expression of pleasure, the significant sound of 
approbation, and conveys as much to a Malagasy as the 
heartiest thrice-repeated cheer does to an Englishman. 
It is also repeatedly asked during this part of the cere- 
mon}^, “Is it not well? Is it not admirably well? Is it 
not good ? Is it not exceedingly good?” with many other 
detached and equally important exclamations and inquiries. 
Having advanced thus far, some one, accustomed to 
speak in the public assemblies of the people, then addresses 
all who attend on the occasion, and charges them “ to be¬ 
have with proper decorum during the proceedings, to avoid 
levity of conduct, and to enter the house with their heads 
uncovered, lest by any neglect or impropriety they should 
desecrate what is holy, and so render unavailing the 
ceremony.” The lamp is then lighted, the drums beat, and 
dancing and singing commence, which are continued during 
the whole night. 
The next morning the fathers of the children who are 
to be circumcised, fetch the baskets platted on the preced¬ 
ing day, and in which bananas were placed as offerings 
to avert future evils. These offerings (called Faditra) are 
placed first on the children, and are then carried away by 
the fathers, who prostrate themselves, as they leave the 
house, to a spot at a short distance from the village, where 
they are cast away. No one dares to touch these bananas; 
they are deemed accursed, and are devoted to bearing 
away evil. 
The ceremony of fetching the water called the 
Rano-mahery, “strong water,’" now takes place. Early in 
the morning the double calabash is brought out of the 
house, a hole is struck through the centre, and silver chains 
