Famadihana-retournement des morts Madagascar (EXTRAIT)
Au centre-sud du pays, près d'Ambalavao, trois superbes montagnes surplombent la nationale 7. On les appelle ici « les Trois Sœurs ». A flanc de falaise, le voyageur de passage peut apercevoir des dizaines de trous naturels dont l'entrée est protégée par un tumulus de pierres. Apparemment inaccessibles, ils renferment en fait des tombeaux. Les familles de la région enterrent leurs défunts dans ces grottes accrochées au dessus du vide et surplombant les plateaux alentours de près de 300 mètres. Si certaines l'ont abandonnée, de nombreuses familles perpétuent la tradition et célèbrent ici le « retournement des morts ». Lors de cette cérémonie, les officiants descendent en rappel depuis le sommet des « trois sœurs » pour aller honorer leurs ancêtres en changeant leurs linceuls. Un périple qui donne le vertige. La ferveur des familles et l'incroyable courage des hommes font de ce rituel un moment unique et grandiose.
In the centre south of the country, near Ambalavao, three outstanding mountains overhang the National 7 Road. They are called the "Three Sisters”. Travellers who pass by will without doubt notice the numerous natural holes whose entrance is protected by a mount of stones. They look as if they were inaccessible, but in fact, they are graves. Families who live in the area bury their dead relatives in these caves 300 metres above the drop and overhanging the surrounding plateaux. Some families have given up this tradition. However many still carry on celebrating the turning of the dead in these caves. During this ceremony, the officiants rope down the "Three Sisters" to go and honour their ancestors by changing their shrouds; a trip which makes you feel dizzy. The faith of families and the incredible courage of the men turn this rite into a unique and grand moment.
In the centre south of the country, near Ambalavao, three outstanding mountains overhang the National 7 Road. They are called the "Three Sisters”. Travellers who pass by will without doubt notice the numerous natural holes whose entrance is protected by a mount of stones. They look as if they were inaccessible, but in fact, they are graves. Families who live in the area bury their dead relatives in these caves 300 metres above the drop and overhanging the surrounding plateaux. Some families have given up this tradition. However many still carry on celebrating the turning of the dead in these caves. During this ceremony, the officiants rope down the "Three Sisters" to go and honour their ancestors by changing their shrouds; a trip which makes you feel dizzy. The faith of families and the incredible courage of the men turn this rite into a unique and grand moment.
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