Dieng Plateau is one of the famous tourism destinations which is located in Wonosobo District of Central Java. It is located at an altitude of 2093 meters above sea level. Since ancient times, Dieng Plateau is one of the most famous cultural centers of development in Indonesia. One of the cultures that has become viral in tourism world is the Dreadlocks Haircut Traditional Ceremony of Dieng Plateau.
This tradition is held once a year, it is very interesting because the ceremony contains some sequence of events with the main ceremony to cut natural dreadlocks of the children who are called “Anak Gembel”, so that it doesn’t bring about sickness and disaster in their families. These native people of Dieng Plateau believe that “anak gembel” are a reincarnation of their Dieng tribal ancestors who they consider as their gods. Because “anak gembel” are considered as re-incarnation of their gods, to cut their hair needs a special ceremony led by the village elders. And it is also believed that if the dreadlocks are cut without ceremony is considered as a disaster to the entire village and especially their family.
“Anak gembel” never cut their hair since their dreadlocks start growing. Their dreadlocks are not innate, symptoms of hair changes usually occur during the first year after birth and changes happen suddenly without any sign thereafter….to be continued.
