Editing Veneration of the dead (section)

===Madagascar===
[[File:Famadihana reburial razana ancestor Madagascar.jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[Famadihana]] reburial ceremony]]
Veneration of ancestors is prevalent throughout the island of [[Madagascar]]. Approximately half of the country's population of 20 million currently practice traditional religion,<ref name=BGNote>{{cite web |last=Bureau of African Affairs |title=Background Note: Madagascar |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=3 May 2011 |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5460.htm |access-date=24 August 2011 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026204111/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5460.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> which tends to emphasize links between the living and the ''razana'' (ancestors). The veneration of ancestors has led to the widespread tradition of tomb building, as well as the highlands practice of the ''[[famadihana]]'', whereby a deceased family member's remains may be exhumed to be periodically re-wrapped in fresh silk shrouds before being replaced in the tomb. The famadihana is an occasion to celebrate the beloved ancestor's memory, reunite with family and community, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.  Residents of surrounding villages are often invited to attend the party, where food and rum are typically served and a [[hiragasy]] troupe or other musical entertainment is commonly present.<ref name=famadihana>{{cite news|last=Bearak |first=Barry |title=Dead Join the Living in a Family Celebration |newspaper=New York Times |page=A7 |date=5 September 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/world/africa/06madagascar.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127041227/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/world/africa/06madagascar.html |archive-date=27 January 2012 |access-date=13 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Veneration of ancestors is also demonstrated through adherence to ''[[Fady (taboo)|fady]]'', taboos that are respected during and after the lifetime of the person who establishes them. It is widely believed that by showing respect for ancestors in these ways, they may intervene on behalf of the living. Conversely, misfortunes are often attributed to ancestors whose memory or wishes have been neglected. The sacrifice of [[zebu]] is a traditional method used to appease or honor the ancestors. Small, everyday gestures of respect include throwing the first capful of a newly opened bottle of rum into the northeast corner of the room to give the ancestors their due share.<ref name=Bradtbeliefs>Bradt (2011), pp.&nbsp;13–20</ref>