<P> Tonsure ( / ˈtɒnʃər / ) is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp , as a sign of religious devotion or humility . The term originates from the Latin word tōnsūra ( meaning `` clipping '' or `` shearing '' ) and referred to a specific practice in medieval Catholicism , abandoned by papal order in 1972 . Tonsure can also refer to the secular practice of shaving all or part of the scalp to show support or sympathy , or to designate mourning . Current usage more generally refers to cutting or shaving for monks , devotees , or mystics of any religion as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem . </P>
<P> Tonsure ( / ˈtɒnʃər / ) is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp , as a sign of religious devotion or humility . The term originates from the Latin word tōnsūra ( meaning `` clipping '' or `` shearing '' ) and referred to a specific practice in medieval Catholicism , abandoned by papal order in 1972 . Tonsure can also refer to the secular practice of shaving all or part of the scalp to show support or sympathy , or to designate mourning . Current usage more generally refers to cutting or shaving for monks , devotees , or mystics of any religion as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem . </P>
why do monks shave a circle in their hair
why do monks shave a circle in their hair
as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem
as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem