A baby whether boy or girl’s mottai ceremony is done initially for babies at the age of one, but anyone can shave their hair off under any circumstances. It is seen as a sacrifice to God especially if some good omen has taken place during problem times, after severe prayers and hope.
After the hair is shaven off, the baby is given oil bath. Sandal paste is applied on the bald head to keep the head cool from the sun. Sandal and turmeric paste has medicinal effects. They are good anti-bacterial substances. Usually in this phase the children will stop crying and start to enjoy the tingling feeling on their head.
Later on the day, another auspicious time is given to the parents to do the ear piercing ceremony. A specific lotion is applied to the ears to make the ears numb. The man who pierces the ears will come and sit in front of the baby and her uncle. Again the baby sits on the laps of her or his uncle (thaai mama), can be grandfather as well. The man who pierces the ears will make a mark in both of the ears so that the piercing is aligned on the lobe of the ears. This is a more painful thing to watch for the parents.
