The act of shaving one's hair on the scalp is known as tonsure and it has been associated with a multitude of religions through history. ... Sometimes referred to as the 'monastic crown', the haircut has come to symbolise religious devotion and the rejection of worldly possessions.

Why do monks get Tonsures?

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. ... 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.

Why do monks shave only the top of their heads?

Monks shaved the top of their heads to show tribute to Saint Paul and kept the edges of their hair to also respect the bible. The new bizarre haircut was named the tonsure and was worn by almost every Catholic monks in Europe in medieval times.