In this photo, taken in Madagascar, the body, exhumed and wrapped in a new shroud, is being paraded ...

In this photo, taken in Madagascar, the body, exhumed and wrapped in a new shroud, is being paraded among other celebrants of Famadihana.


Like many people around the world, the traditional Malagasy believe that only a fine line separates the living from the dead. And like many people around the world, they believe that this line is so fine that the dead communicate with the living in dreams. The primary distinction is probably a custom that seems to be unique to Madagascar.

In a few years, the living will join the dead. And a few years after that, these newly dead will join the living in this dance. The celebration of life and death continues.