Hair today gone tomorrow

Lots of culture in Tonga ... and don't ever quote me as a resource ... seems like i usually only get half the story ... like the several women today at work that only have half the hair they had yesterday. Seems strange, but NO... It's a part of the funeral ceremony... women/girls are required when someone important like a father, uncle or auntie dies,... out of respect they cut off most of their hair ... it gets woven into a belt (kava) that is used to tie around the waist to hold up the tavolava (woven waist mats) ... (way tooo much to explain) ... but this Kafa is only worn on very special occasions. The young girls who all seem to have pigtails down to their waist ... think of your south pacific fantasy ... for them it really is a significant gift letting go of their beautiful locks (LOTS) of hair.