Monday, June 4, 2012

The Turning of the Bones

The people of Madagascar celebrate a unique ritual called Famadihana, also known as ‘turning of the bones’. It is a festival celebrated every 7 years or so, during which family crypts are opened up and the remains of dead ancestors are brought out to be wrapped in new cloth. The Malagasy then dance with the corpses in great joy. Live music is played, animals are sacrificed and the meat is distributed to various guests and members of the family.  Famadihana is viewed as a family celebration, even extended families get together and celebrate kinship.

According to Malagasy belief, people are made from  the bodies of the ancestors. Hence they hold their forefathers in high regard. They also believe that unless the bodies decompose completely, the dead do not leave permanently and are able to communicate with the living. So until they are gone forever, love and affection is showered on them through the Famadihana festival.

Photo credit: Saveoursmile

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

LINK

 Info from here


No comments:

Post a Comment