When members of
the Malagasy people of Madagascar succumb to death, their remains are stored in
crypts for several years. After around two to seven years, the remains of the
deceased loved ones are “exhumed, wrapped in fine silk, sprayed with wine or
perfume, and brought out for community festivals”. Family members of the
deceased loved ones come from far away lands to partake in this practice known
as famdihana. Participants cautiously extract the remains from the burial sites
and proceed to freshly wrap them in clothing. With the remnants of the body
still present, the family members engage in celebrations such as singing and
dancing.
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