Cutting edge

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