Barber’s Pole: a symbol of a barbershop

The history of men’s barbershops is rich in traditions that go back to the distant past. One of the most famous symbols of a barbershop is the Barber’s Pole — a rotating cylinder with red, white and blue stripes. This sign not only attracts attention, but also has a deep historical meaning.

Historical origin Barber’s Pole: a combination of hairdressing and medicine

In the Middle Ages, barbers were not just barbers, but also a kind of doctors for the common people. They not only cut and shaved, but also performed various medical procedures that today seem unusual for the profession of a hairdresser. Bloodletting, tooth extraction, wound care, and even rudimentary surgery were all part of their duties.

Doctors of the time believed that many diseases were caused by an excess of “bad” blood in the body, so bloodletting was considered an important medical procedure. Barbers became the main performers of this practice, as they had sharp razors necessary for the incisions. At first, they even displayed containers of blood in front of their workshops to advertise their services, but later this was banned because it looked too creepy.

Thus appeared the famous Barber’s Pole – a red and white pole that replaced the frightening displays of blood and bandages. The red stripes symbolized blood, the white ones – bandages, and the pole itself resembled a pole that patients squeezed in their hands during the procedure to dilate their veins. In some countries, blue was later added – probably as a hint of venous blood.

Later, when medicine began to separate from hairdressing, barbers lost their medical functions, but the symbol remained. Barber’s Pole can still be seen near many barbershops today, although its original meaning has long since passed into the past.

The meaning of colors Barber’s Pole: a reflection of the past

In the Middle Ages, barbers were not just barbers, but also a kind of doctors for the common people. They not only cut and shaved, but also performed various medical procedures that today seem unusual for the profession of a hairdresser. Bloodletting, tooth extraction, wound treatment and even primitive surgical operations were all part of their duties.

Doctors of the time believed that many diseases arise due to an excess of “bad” blood in the body, so bloodletting was considered an important medical procedure. Barbers became the main performers of this practice, because they had sharp razors necessary for incisions. At first, they even displayed containers of blood in front of their workshops to advertise their services, but later this was banned because it looked too creepy.

Thus appeared the famous Barber’s Pole – a red and white, and later a tricolor pole, which replaced the frightening displays of blood and bandages. Each color on it has its own historical meaning:

• Red symbolizes blood, which is associated with bloodletting.
• White represents the bandages used during the procedures.
• Blue means the veins that were cut to release blood.

In the USA, the Barber’s Pole often has a tricolor design. This is not only a tribute to tradition, but also an association with the colors of the national flag.

Later, when medicine began to separate from hairdressing, barbers lost their medical functions, but the symbol remained. The Barber’s Pole can still be seen near many barbershops today, although its original meaning has long been a thing of the past.

Modern barbershop: a ritual of style and comfort

Today, barbershops are no longer related to medicine, but the Barber’s Pole remains a recognizable symbol. It personifies male style, the professionalism of the masters and the atmosphere prevailing in the establishments.

A barbershop is not just a place for a haircut. It is a space where men can relax, socialize and receive quality care. The process of cutting and shaving turns into a ritual that combines the skill of the barber and the comfort of the client.

The Barber’s Pole is not just a decoration, but a true symbol of tradition, combining the historical past of barbers with the modern culture of men’s grooming. It reminds of the times when hairdressers were also doctors, and remains a recognizable sign of male style and skill.