happythoughts 0 #1 December 10, 2006 party QuoteIn the highlands, you can see the music and storytelling spectacles called hira gasy, or the lively, colourful reburial rituals known as famadihana, or turning of the bones. From time to time, the Merina people dig up a dead ancestor to hold a family reunion. The living relatives go wild for a day or two of eating, drinking, and - quite literally - dancing with the dead to ensure a happy afterlife. "From time to time" ? When the mood strikes you? "Remember your cousin Nancy? Let's go dig her up, dance a little." QuoteFinally, a farewell ceremony is undertaken, and the body is showered with gifts and returned to the tomb. Since a stranger's presence is an good omen, there's a good chance you'll be invited to one if you friends with Merina people. "Yeah, come to the party. My cousin Nancy is gonna be there. You dance much?" Geez. You think I dance bad now? After I'm dead for 2 years, put a Hawaiian print shirt and a Lei on me. The Electric Slide will still elude me. Just don't let me start drinking or I'll be doing karaoke. "Here's a great Jim Morrison tune. He couldn't be here tonight because... oh, nevermind." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #2 December 10, 2006 that's a cool way to view your decedents Westerners have such a selfish mordaline way of view deathYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #3 December 10, 2006 Quotethat's a cool way to view your decedents Westerners have such a selfish mordaline way of view death Their way is just a more formalized thing. After all, on a dull weekend, who hasn't dug up a relative to hang out a little ? "Yes, officer. I saw that your car was stopped, but he was driving." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
