7. Famadihana: Turning of the Bones in Madagascar
In Madagascar, the Famadihana or “Turning of the Bones” is a vibrant ceremony where families exhume ancestors’ remains, lovingly rewrap them, and celebrate with music and dance. This joyful event is meant to honor the dead, keeping their memory alive within the community. To those unaccustomed to ancestor worship, the idea of handling remains may seem unsettling or even macabre. Yet for the Malagasy, Famadihana is a powerful expression of love and familial connection. Learn more from The Guardian.
