The phrase ‘Lolo mamoha nagatra’ is deeply rooted in the traditional beliefs of the Merina, an ethnic group from Madagascar. A ’lolo’ is often interpreted as a spirit or a ghost, while ’nagatra’ also means a spirit in a latent state. This proverb illustrates the belief that even spirits can influence and awaken each other. An equivalent English expression would be ‘A ghost awakens a spirit’, implying that even what seems to be inactive or dormant can be awakened by a similar or greater force.