PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos of the day – A Warm Welcome to the World in Timor

In May, the Jakarta Globe witnessed Napoitan Li Ana, a ritual in which new babies are welcomed in Fatulunu, Soe, South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara.

A newborn is not supposed to leave home for 40 days, during which family members take care not only of him, but especially the mother, to prevent her from the possibility of developing postpartum depression. 

After that period, the child will be welcomed by the whole village with dances and traditional songs. Elders will make sure the baby is introduced to every member of the community and becomes part of it. 

A family elder prepares to lead the Napoitan Li Ana ritual for his newborn grandchild. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

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The child’s grandmother brings it to meet neighbors and other community members. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

Fatulunu village head Yusuf Missa dances during Napoitan Li Ana at Fatulunu. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

Teenagers perform Oko Mama, traditional regional dance. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

All members of the community gather to meet and celebrate the newborn. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

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Village elders sing traditional songs . (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)