A recent Facebook post featuring a group of young boys in Thailand sporting a coronal tonsure, a hairstyle reminiscent of Catholic monks from the 4th century, has sparked widespread outrage and ridicule online. The boys, who were participating in a religious event at St Anthony Church Donmottanoi in Ratchaburi province, had their crowns shaved to the scalp, with only the hair on the sides of their heads and bangs retained.
The coronal tonsure, which was abolished by Pope Paul VI in 1973, is a hairstyle that was once common among Catholic monks. It is meant to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. However, in modern times, the hairstyle has become a relic of the past, and its revival has been met with shock and disbelief.
Netizens were quick to express their outrage, with many calling the hairstyle “bloody disgusting,” “poor kids,” and “simply cruel.” Some even joked about the boys resembling Friar Tuck, a character from the Robin Hood legend. The online backlash was accompanied by a flurry of hilarious GIFs, laughing and angry emojis, and sarcastic comments.
While some defended the church’s decision, arguing that the boys were not forced to participate and were even compensated for their involvement, others saw it as a cruel and outdated practice. The church’s official Facebook page explained that the theatrical presentation was part of a religious event in honor of its patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua, who was known to sport a coronal tonsure. The page also clarified that the boys’ parents had given their consent and that the boys were allowed to shave their remaining hair and grow it back to their preferred style after the event.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of religion in modern society and the boundaries between tradition and cultural sensitivity. While some see the coronal tonsure as a harmless nod to the past, others view it as a relic of a bygone era that has no place in contemporary culture.
In Thailand, where Buddhism is the dominant religion, the Catholic Church’s decision to revive an archaic hairstyle has raised eyebrows. The incident has also sparked comparisons with other instances of controversial haircuts in schools, such as the Japanese elite school that was criticized for cutting students’ hair without their consent.
As the online furore continues to simmer, one thing is clear: the coronal tonsure is a hairstyle that is best left in the history books.