Where: Madagascar
People: Merina and Betsileo
Religion: Christianity (mainly Protestantism and Catholicism)
Ritual: Famadihana (re-burial)
According to malagasy belief, man is not made of earth but of the ancestral bodies. And according to faith, the ancestors have not left the world of the living before their bodies are completely decomposed. Until then, it is possible to communicate with the dead, who are treated with great respect and love at the famadihana ritual. During the ritual, the families thank their ancestors and tell them how it goes in the world of the living. The ancestors are also asked for good health or a good harvest.Read More
A family grave has just been opened and the ancestors will soon be taken outside for the Famadihana.
A family member who died in between two Famadihanas, was buried temporarily in a coffin and is honoured at the Famadihana before he is wrapped in silk.
At the Famadihanas all family members are carrying the ancestors and dancing with them.
A family is discussing who is who before they re-wrap the ancestors in new silk.
It is not customary to show emotions during the Famadihanas, but sometimes holding back tears is not an option.
A family with a deceased who was brought from another part of Madagascar to be celebrated at the Famadihana and buried in the family grave.
Dancing with the dead.
Even in death, there is a hierarchy. The darker colour of the silk, the more honourable (and older) the ancestor is.
After dancing with the ancestors, they are put back into the grave.
A family tomb in the highlands of Madagascar.