10 Strange and Fascinating Truths About Malagasy Society
10 Strange and Fascinating Truths About Malagasy Society
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, is a world unto itself. Isolated for millions of years, it evolved a flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Similarly, its human society, born from a blend of Indonesian, African, Arab, and other influences, has developed customs, traditions, and a worldview that are profoundly unique. To the outside world, it is the land of lemurs and baobabs, but beneath this natural wonder lies a social fabric of immense complexity and captivating peculiarity. Malagasy culture is a rich tapestry where the world of the living is in constant, respectful dialogue with the world of the dead. Here are ten aspects of Malagasy society that might seem strange to outsiders but are fundamental in understanding the soul of the island.