Cutting edge

The cold breeze cut to the bone as the procession went along the Dieng plateau in Wonosobo, Central Java.

For on this day at Telaga Warna complex, locals held their biggest event, known as the "cutting of tangled hair" ritual, involving some 60 children.

It is believed that the presence of someone in a family with tangled hair is a blessing from God. As such a child is considered the reincarnation of a person with supernatural and divine powers, locals are especially careful in cutting their hair.

But when the tangled hair must be shorn, a ritual, including offerings, is conducted on an especially auspicious day as an expression of gratitude for good fortune. -- Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno