A Catholic church in Thailand is being mocked after a group of altar boys was given haircuts that mimicked the appearance of traditional Catholic friars.
The haircut, called a “coronal tonsure”, involves shaving the top of the head completely bald while leaving a ring of hair around the fringes. This style preserves the hair on the sides and the bangs, resembling a crown. It is also called the Roman or Petrine tonsure and is named after Saint Peter.
After images of the boys’ haircuts emerged online, observers cried foul, expressing sympathy for the “poor boys” and their “embarrassing” haircuts.
Yet, the church insists it was their idea to sport the hairdo.
The coronal tonsure haircut first emerged in the 4th and 5th centuries and was a common hairstyle among Catholic monks until Pope Paul VI abolished it in 1973.
The style was said to be inspired by the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.
At first, the photos of the boys received lots of negative comments, and they became the source of mockery and emoji jokes. Others wondered whether the boys had voluntarily shaved their heads and pointed out that the old-fashioned hairstyle was no longer a part of Catholic customs.
“I feel sorry for the kids,” said an online commenter.
Another added: “Personally, I don’t like it. But I have to admit that if the children and their parents are OK with it, then there is nothing wrong here.”
On June 8, the church released a statement on Facebook clarifying that the children were not forced to shave their heads and were “compensated” for their participation. The church also noted that the boys’ parents had consented to their children’s participation.
The boys’ haircuts were part of the church’s annual celebration of Saint Anthony of Padua, the church’s patron saint known for his coronal tonsure.
“The haircut was meant to elevate the event,” the statement explained.
After the celebration, the boys were allowed to shave off any remaining hair and let it grow back in any style they chose.
As altar boys, the youngsters assist the clergy in conducting mass, which includes handling the cross, candlesticks, or various vessels.