-Andriantomara

Welcome to AMONTANA & AVIAVY Family Tree

In Madagascar, the Amontana and theAviavy ,which are related to the sycamore and the fig-tree, are royaltrees. They symbolize the life-force and epitomize power. Theirflowers blossom and bear fruit before their leaves, which appearonly when the fruit is ripe, as though to protect it from the sun.According to the elders, to reveal one's fruit and then conceal itbeneath graceful foliage is the preeminent sign of royalty, whichopenly proclaims its designs for the good of the people, but thenconceals them modestly because they are sacred.

The king's tree King Andriamanelo is thought to have been thefirst to plant these trees in his realm of Alasora, one of thetwelve sacred hills of the Merina people. He made them a symbol ofroyalty and would not allow them to be planted anywhere but in theresidences of kings or their representatives. He liked to say thatthe fruit of the aviavy left a bitter taste on the tongue, whichthen turned sweet. "May my kingdom," he said, "have this sweetaftertaste." (byUNESCO)

Check also :

Amonana &Aviavy Family Tree
Amontana & AviavyTribals