2007-03-23 08:02:56 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not all of them do.
2007-03-23 08:05:20 · answer #1 · answered by mike.marlow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The monastic tonsure(Lat. tondere, "to shear) has 3 types (1) the Roman, or that of St. Peter, when all the head is shaved except a circle, of hair; (2) the Eastern, or St. Paul's, when the entire head is denuded of hair; (3) the Celtic, or St. John's, when only a crescent of hair is shaved from the front of the head. It is rather a simple ascription of a person to the Divine service in such things as are common to all clerics along with the surplice its their outward symbol of a departure from worldly associations.
2007-03-23 15:12:17 · answer #2 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Buddhism, it's reminiscent of The Great Renunciation, when Buddha cut off his long, luxuriant locks as a sign that he was leaving behind his decadent princely life.
I guess it's the same deal for other kinds of monks. Devotion, renunciation of vanity, that sort of thing.
2007-03-23 15:06:12 · answer #3 · answered by SlowClap 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whereas long hair was thought to be a sign of a free man, a monk's tonsure is a symbol of their servitude to God.
check the source below for alternative theories.
2007-03-23 15:07:19 · answer #4 · answered by SmartAleck 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which monks?
Most that do it do it for ease of care, freedom from lice, or as a renunciation of material cares.
I think mostly it was for ease of washing and freedom from lice.
2007-03-23 15:07:54 · answer #5 · answered by U-98 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure its for sanitary reasons. probably not the best shampoos in a monastery.
2007-03-23 15:07:52 · answer #6 · answered by tmart937 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all do but some do because it is getting rid of their vanity.
2007-03-23 15:06:24 · answer #7 · answered by huckypeep2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lice are not nice?
2007-03-23 15:06:29 · answer #8 · answered by rubehick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a religion thing
2007-03-23 15:06:12 · answer #9 · answered by Rachel K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
long hair is a sin...
2007-03-23 15:06:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋