For example, the Bali Aga make use of a kind of cloth they make called geringsing.People follow a ritualized protocol in advance of making the cloth so that it will be endowed with magical powers.Initially they must soak the un-dyed thread in a pot of water infused with sacred kinds of wood for 42 days. This pot must be covered with a sacred black and white cloth to protect the threads from evil spirits.A woman should not be menstruating when weaving this, so as to protect its purity.When not weaving, they cover the unfinished cloth with a white cloth to protect its sanctity.Because of their sacred properties, the geringsing cloth protects its owners from bad spirits during ritual events.During a childhood ceremony in which one’s hair is cut, one receives a geringsing for the first time. The cut hair is placed in a basket on the cloth.When a young person is admitted into adult society in the village, he or she is also carried on geringsing cloth.Following death, a geringsing is also used in the purification of the soul.