Rachel Evans
The tradition of shaving heads varies across religions and their specific orders. In Catholicism, the practice of tonsure, or the complete shaving of the head, is observed by specific religious orders with papal permission. For Catholic nuns and sisters, the custom has evolved over time, and prior to the 1960s, it was common for them to wear veils and have short hair or shaved heads. This was partly due to the practicality of wearing a veil with shorter hair, and also symbolized the dedication of one's life to God. However, in modern times, many Catholic sisters and nuns are no longer required to shave or cut their hair, and their hairstyle is often left to their own discretion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Catholic nuns have to shave their heads? | In the past, Catholic nuns were required to cut their hair short as it was easier to wear a veil with short hair, and it symbolized the sister's devotion to God. |
| However, customs have changed, and today it is up to the individual nun or sister to decide how to style her hair. |
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What You'll Learn
Nuns shaving their heads is called tonsure
The practice of tonsure varies depending on the religious order and regional traditions. In some cases, the entire head is shaved, while in other cases, only a portion of the hair is removed. For example, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, priests, deacons, and readers have four locks of hair clipped from the top of the head in the shape of a cross to signify their obedience to the Church. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Latin Church practised the tonsure, but it went into decline after the Middle Ages and was eventually banned.
Historically, tonsure was a mandatory practice for those seeking to enter the clerical state and become eligible for ordination to the priesthood. Canon law stipulated that all clerics must wear the tonsure, but over time, this practice fell out of use, particularly in English-speaking countries. The ceremony of tonsure was abolished by Pope Paul VI and became effective in 1973.
Today, tonsure continues to be practised in certain religious contexts, such as in the Eastern Orthodox Church for newly baptised members and in various Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The act of shaving one's head or cutting one's hair is often symbolic of dedication, humility, or a new beginning.
While tonsure is not a common practice for Catholic nuns, it is called tonsure when they do shave their heads, aligning with the broader religious ceremony of tonsure across different faiths.
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Tonsure is a traditional practice in Catholicism
Tonsure was not practised by the Early Church, and no records of its use in a Christian context exist before the 6th century. There were three forms of tonsure in the 7th and 8th centuries: The Oriental consisted of shaving the whole head, observed in the Eastern churches, including the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches. The Roman involved shaving only the top of the head, allowing the hair to grow in the form of a crown. This was the practice of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church but declined after the Middle Ages. The Celtic tonsure was worn in Ireland and Great Britain and was connected to Celtic Christianity.
The monastic tonsure distinguishes three kinds: the Roman, or that of St. Peter, when all the head is shaved except a circle of hair; the Eastern, or St. Paul's, when the entire head is shaved; and the Celtic, or St. John's, when only a crescent of hair is shaved from the front of the head.
Tonsure is also a common practice in the Eastern Orthodox Church for newly baptised members and is frequently used for Buddhist novices, monks, and nuns.
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Tonsure is also practised by Buddhist nuns
Tonsure is the ceremonial act of shaving one's head to join a monastic order. It is still practised by specific religious orders in Catholicism, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Buddhism, and Islam.
The head is usually mostly shaved before the ordination ceremony, leaving a little on top for the ceremony officiant to remove. The preferred form of shaving is still a razor, as some orders believe that electric razors are more like scissors and are therefore forbidden. The act of shaving one's head is thought to reduce vanity and test a monastic's commitment. It is also practical, especially in hot weather.
In Chinese Buddhism, there is a practice called jieba, where the monk or nun receives small burns on their scalp to symbolise their commitment to the bodhisattva path. The Verse of Tonsure is recited by Soto Zen practitioners:
> In shaving off beard and hair, we pray that all living beings should forever be free from mental afflictions and in the end attain nirvana.
The Tibetan Buddhist tradition assigns auspicious days for both laypeople and monastics to cut their hair.
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Catholic nuns before the 1960s were required to cut their hair
The veil is an important symbol of a nun's devotion to God and her intention to avoid attracting males (as she has joined a convent). The veil also covers the hair, which is considered a woman's "adornment", and by covering it, nuns avoid vanity. This practice of veiling the hair is also a way to imitate the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted with her hair covered.
In addition to the veil, some Catholic orders practiced tonsure, or the shaving of the head, as a rite of passage. This was done to symbolize the nun's dedication to God and to remove her individuality and femininity. However, tonsure was not universally practiced by all Catholic orders, and some may have only shortened their hair rather than shaving it completely.
After the 1960s, many Catholic churches underwent changes and became more open to embracing and serving the world. As a result, the requirements for nuns' hairstyles became more relaxed, and it was left to the discretion of the individual sister. Some communities kept the veil and hair-cutting customs, while others adapted and allowed for more individual choice.
While the specific requirements for hair length have evolved, the underlying symbolism of devotion, modesty, and imitation of the Virgin Mary remains important for Catholic nuns, both before and after the 1960s.
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Nuns cut their hair to symbolise devotion to God
Nuns cutting their hair is a symbol of devotion to God. While it is not a requirement for nuns to shave their heads, some Catholic nuns may choose to do so as a symbol of their dedication to their faith and to God. The practice of nuns cutting their hair is rooted in tradition and has evolved over time.
Historically, Catholic nuns and sisters were required to cut their hair if they wore a habit and veil. This tradition dates back to before the 1960s when the church began to embrace gospel living and ministry, leading to changes in the appearance of nuns, including shorter veils or no veils at all. As a result, many sisters were no longer required to cut their hair, and the hairstyle was left to their discretion.
The act of cutting one's hair symbolises a nun's sacrifice and devotion to God. By giving up her hair, which is often associated with femininity and uniqueness, a nun demonstrates her willingness to offer herself fully to God and to embrace a life of service and dedication to her faith. This symbolic gesture represents a nun's commitment to a spiritual path and her devotion to a higher power.
In addition to symbolic reasons, there are also practical considerations for nuns cutting their hair. Shorter hair can be more manageable and easier to maintain, especially when wearing a veil or habit. It ensures that the hair is neat and tidy, reflecting the values of simplicity and humility that are often associated with religious life.
While the tradition of nuns cutting their hair has evolved, with some communities retaining the custom while others have adapted, it remains a powerful symbol of devotion and commitment to God for those who choose to uphold it. It represents a nun's willingness to sacrifice and dedicate herself fully to her spiritual path and the service of others.
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Frequently asked questions
The answer depends on the time period and the specific community and its customs. If your character lived prior to the 1960s, chances are she wore a habit and veil and was required to have her hair cut or shaved. After the 1960s, many sisters were no longer required to shave or cut their hair, and their hairstyle was left to their own discretion.
There are two reasons: 1) It's easier to wear a veil with short hair; 2) The cutting of one's hair symbolizes the sister's giving of everything, even her hair, which enhances her uniqueness and femininity, to God.
Yes, tonsure or head shaving is practiced by specific religious orders in Catholicism (with papal permission), newly baptized members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Buddhist novices/monks/nuns, some Hindu religious orders, and certain Islamic traditions after completing the Hajj.
