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The Betsileo culture is similar to their Merina neighbours. The Betsileo are reputedly the best farmers in Madagascar and therefore well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife.

The ceremony of [[Famadihana]] - ''turning of the bones'' was introduced to the Betsileo people by the Merina during the time of Queen {{nowrap begin}}Ranavalona I.{{nowrap end}} Like many other ethnical groups, also the Betsileo are superstitious. For example, it is [[fady]] to start a meal before the father or the most honourable person is present. For a husband it is fady to wear a lamba (traditional blanket) thrown over his shoulder during the pregnancy of his wife.