Malagasy culture
The Asian-African origin of the island’s people has led to a unique and distinctive society, with a complex set of beliefs and customs.
One of the central beliefs is in the power of dead ancestors (razana). Their spirits are believed to be active in looking after their descendants in a variety of ways. And their wishes are therefore to be respected and obeyed. This means that families and communities have various taboos/don’ts (known as fady) regarding the avoidance of certain actions, to ensure the approval of the razana.