What is so special about niuean boys haircutting ceremony?

Like all Polynesian people, niueans love to celebrate. A major event for teenage boys is their "haircutting ceremony". Many boys keep a long tail of hair since childhood and this is ritually removed at a gathering held at the boys home, usually on a Saturday.

Guests involved to the feast contribute considerable amounts of food and money to a fund that goes to the boy after expenses are paid. The pastor and close family members cut locks of hair that have been tied with ribbon, and everyone sits down at the following feast.