tonsured

Tonsured refers to a practice, primarily within certain monastic and religious traditions, of cutting or shaving hair from the scalp. This act is symbolic and holds various meanings depending on the specific religious order or sect. The most common form of tonsure involves shaving a circular area of the head, though the size and placement of this shaved area can differ.

Historically, tonsure was a prominent practice in Christianity, particularly among monks and clergy in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. It signified renunciation of worldly vanity and dedication to a spiritual life. Different styles of tonsure existed, such as the Petrine tonsure (shaving the entire head), the Pauline tonsure (shaving a crescent shape at the front), and the common monastic tonsure (a circle of hair around a shaved crown).

In Buddhism, tonsure is a widespread practice for monks and nuns upon their ordination. It symbolizes detachment from worldly appearance and the ego. The act of shaving one's head is often one of the first steps in embracing the monastic life. In some traditions, the hair is completely shaved, while in others, a small tuft might be left.

While the practice of tonsure has diminished in some Western Christian denominations, it remains a significant ritual in many Eastern Christian and Buddhist traditions, serving as a visible marker of religious commitment and spiritual transformation. The act itself is usually performed by a senior member of the religious order.