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Madagascar clothing is the style statement of the natives of Madagascar and is generally influenced by the European style of dressing. The clothing in Madagascar is usually a rich combination of various colors. The dye use in the clothes is natural and they are extracted from berries, minerals and various such natural resources.
The textile art of Madagascar adds another interesting facet to Madagascar attire and these special clothes forms the very part of Madagascar clothing. The elegantly weaved clothes are known as “lamba” and serves as traditional ceremonial gift in Madagascar. The Malagasy offers clothes to the rulers, spirits and ancestors to receive blessings. Exchange of clothing as gifts is done to demonstrate the mutual respect among the ethnic groups.
As per the tradition of Madagascar, men offer clothes to brides in the marriage ceremony and the bride and groom are encircled in single cloth as a symbol of their union forever. Clothes are also offered to the ancestors and it forms the part of the marriage ceremony.
Madagascar clothing is not just traditional as the country has numerous western wear outlets. There are stores selling western clothes for children and adults alike. The European influence on Madagascar clothing is a result of French and British colonization. Thus clothing in Madagascar is various and there traditional Madagascar clothing is just the reflection of the island's rich culture.
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