Famadihana

Turning of the Bones Ritual is one of the Malagasy culture, customs, and etiquette that you should know. The turning of the bones ritual, or Famadiahna, is a celebration and act of love and respect for the dead. Usually, around every seven years, the ritual occurs. It’s like a family reunion as it brings the family together to honor the deceased. Famadiahna also is a time of celebration and laughter rather than mourning. Families get the bodies from the tomb, remove the old silk, and rewrap them in fresh silk. Then, they hold them in the air while dancing around the tomb.

The celebration includes music, dancing, food, drinks, and telling stories about the deceased. Typical meals served are stews and soups, zebu meat, sweets, rum, as well as other food and drinks. After sunset, the bodies are returned to their tombs with funeral gifts such as money or alcohol. The bodies are put face down to close the cycle of life and death. There is a ritual cleaning and then the tomb is sealed, which is an emotional moment for the family.