But back to the countdown! Triple post full of endless wonder (so say we all!) to make up for my lateness. What. You think I'm pushing these references a little to far? Shh. Just enjoy the info below.
THE MALAGASY HAVE A STRONG TRADITION OF RESPECTING THE DEAD.
Traditional Malagasy beliefs place heavy emphasis on the connection between the living and the dead, and they have a number of practices which honour their ancestors.
Offerings of animals or drinks are sometimes made respect or appease the ancestors. Tombs are treated as sacred, and often decorated far more elaborately than homes are.
Offerings of animals or drinks are sometimes made respect or appease the ancestors. Tombs are treated as sacred, and often decorated far more elaborately than homes are.
 |
| Traditional Malagasy Tomb |
Many Malagasy also practice "Famadihana," a practice of unburying and re-wrapping the deceased with fresh silk or cloth, along with music and dancing, in celebration of the deceased's life.
 |
| Famadihana Ceremony |
HALF THE WORLD'S SAPPHIRES COME FROM MADAGASCAR
The once tiny town of Ilakaka in the south of Madagascar became a booming prospecting town after a massive deposit sapphires was found nearby. The town still hosts a large influx of hopeful miners, which has unfortunately also led to violent crimes, a wildly fluctuating population (many living in makeshift shacks), and devastation to the surrounding landscape.
 |
| One of the many mining pits surrounding Ilakaka |
 |
| A sapphire vendor on the streets of Ilakaka |
 |
| The pockmarked landscape surrounding the town |
MG: THE RED PLANET?
Madagascar has been nicknamed "Great Red Island" due to the characteristic red soil that covers the landscape in many areas. This is due to erosion washing away other minerals but leaving iron oxide.
In layman's terms: the dirt is rusty.
It's enough to make you think you might have landed on another planet!
No comments:
Post a Comment