Bearded, graying baby a gift from God, say family

Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Parigi

A gray beard and whiskers might be common on adults, but in Parigi Moutong regency in Central Sulawesi they can be seen growing on a one-month-old baby.

Rasya Alansya -- the son of Muhammad Rifai and his wife Mitra Jayanti of Maesa subdistrict, in Parigi Kota district -- has attracted many visitors wanting to see the rare sight with their very own eyes.

There was even a rumor he was born with the Arabic word for "God" written on his ear. That rumor was found to be untrue, but the gray beard, some five centimeters long, and the whiskers are clearly visible.

"I don't have the medical explanation for the beard and whiskers on this baby," Central Sulawesi Health Office head, Abdullah, told The Jakarta Post.

Parigi Moutong Regent Longky Djanggola was among the onlookers. He advised the baby's parents to keep the beard and whiskers unshaved as a sign of gratitude, and to monitor growth on a day-to-day basis.

The 4.5 kg baby appears to be blissfully unaware of all the attention he is receiving. His parents say he loves to smile and rarely cries like other babies.

The baby's mother, 16-year-old Mitra, said she never thought her child would be born with a beard and whiskers.

At first, she thought the beard and whiskers were pieces of cotton and tried to brush them away, but couldn't. "So, I just let it be and it turned out there was a beard and whiskers," she said.

But the boy's father, 20-year-old Rifai, said the placenta was extraordinary; colored red, white and blue.

"I was surprised when I saw the placenta upon burying it," he said.

Burying the placenta after birth is a common practice throughout the country. In Central Sulawesi, the placenta must be buried next to the family home, after being wrapped in a clean, new white cloth.

Mitra said she was grateful for what God had given them.

"I hope my son grows up to have a special gift."