Réunionnaise Creole People
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Réunionnais Creole people are people born in Réunion, of African, Malagasy or French origins. There is a large mixed majority, mostly of African/French origins.
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[edit] Origins
The origins of Reunionnais Creoles date back far longer than the Creoles in Mauritius or Seychelles. Brought as slaves from Africa and Madagascar to work the sugar plantations, these Creoles were the first to be introduced to the Indian Ocean. Most trace their roots to East Africa (Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia) and Madagascar, although some descended from runaways from European pirate ships.
[edit] Creoles Today
Today the Creoles form the majority in Réunion, and, unlike neighbouring Mauritius, are not divided on status and other groups on the island have generally adapted well with them. Those defined today as Creoles are people who are born on the island, as opposed to people coming from other places (such as mainland France).
[edit] Demographic factors
Most Creoles belong to Christian denominations (with a Roman Catholic majority, but also Protestants and Adventists), but a minority practice Hinduism or Islam and there are those who have joined cults, and some, as in Mauritius, have been influenced by Rastafarianism. All Creoles speak Réunion Creole as their home language and French. Few speak English or other languages.
[edit] Practicing of traditional martial arts
The Creoles of Réunion practice a martial arts form which originated in Madagascar and is called Moringue (Moraingy- Malagasy), being passed down from the slaves. It involves a lot of jumping and works well for flexible bodies(one move is like a handstand except with the head).
