Madagascar Local Customs

FAMADIHANA or 'Turning of the...

by drolkar

FAMADIHANA or 'Turning of the Bones', is primarily a custom of the Merina tribe. Ancestors are worshipped, remaining part of the family after death and playing just as important a role in family life as when they were alive. When a family feels the need to visit a particular ancestor, or lays to rest the body of a family member who died elsewhere, or inaugurates a new family tomb, a sort of 'party' is held. The celebration can last up to two days and begins with a long procession to the site of the tomb complete with music, drinking and dancing! The ancestors are then exhumed, washed and wrapped in new funeral shrouds. Family members visit with the deceased, sing to them -- even dance with them. At the end of the party, the ancestors are returned to their place of repose together with gifts from the family. It is not easy to get invited to one of these ceremonies as a foreigner; I...

This is one square from a...

by drolkar

This is one square from a typical sheet of cloth used by women as an all-around 'wrap-around' type of garment known as a lamba.There are all different colors and patterns, many of which include a Malagasy proverb. This one reads:Ho avy tsy ho ela zaho hanaraka anao or I have come, I am here, I shall follow you....

When to go

by Helga67

The best period to go is October and November (Spring time in Madagascar). The weather is nice, no more rain and still not too hot, flowers are in bloom and lemurs have babies.

Greetings in Madagascar

by ATLC

Friends and acquaintances kiss each other 2, 3 or 4 times on each cheek every time they see each other.Goodbye Veloma!<Photo Football is also taken seriously here...

Delicate, papyrus like, handmade paper

by ATLC

Delicate, papyrus like, handmade Antaimoro paper decorated with pressed, dried and embedded wild flowers. This is a gift card and makes a very good suitcase-friendly souvenir.

Or Antaimoro paper notebooks...

by ATLC

Or Antaimoro paper notebooks with embroidered images from Malagasy life...

This is a typical village

by rosenben

LEMURS... are everywhere! ...

by drolkar

LEMURS... are everywhere! This one allowed himself to be photographed after accepting a piece of bread and butter from me. :)

BAOBOB TREES are native to...

by drolkar

BAOBOB TREES are native to Madagascar.

Here you can see how lambas...

by drolkar

Here you can see how lambas (like the one shown above)are worn!