The Barber’s Pole: A History & Meaning
In the traditional barber shops of today and in history, outside the door is a moving, swirling pole in red, white, and blue. It is universally associated with barber shops, even though some people don’t know why. It is something that has been around, not for decades, but centuries, and goes beyond the barber shop. So, for those who have no clue what it means, here is a quick history of the lifelike candy stick. Warning: it is little bit disturbing, but it is true.
The first pole of this type was made in the Medieval Era that was inside, not outside. It’s purpose was not so attractive, for it was where customers held onto when a surgical procedure was being done on them. It was like making a fist to keep the strengthen the vessels and veins for blood flow during the surgery. The main procedure used in this was called bloodletting, where the barber/surgeon cuts a vein open to let blood seep out and drip into a bowl. The bowl of blood would then be displayed along the window to tell people waling by of their practice.
It went from grotesque feature to a more symbolic character for both surgeons and barbers to place in front of their office; red for surgeons, blue & white for barbers. The colors have their own meaning too: red for arteries, blue for veins, and white for bandages. Barbers, of course, used the straight razor to shave people, and there was always the possibility of a nick or two. In other words, barbers back then weren’t the barbers we think of now. They were professionals people trusted for surgery and hygiene, but at their own risk.
When the traditional barbershop opened up in America, they took on the mixed colored pole. The illusion it has when it moves is what caught on to the popularity of barber shops across the country. This universal symbol remains into the 21st century, but the sight of it has dropped with the rise of franchised barber shops (and the fact surgeons are now in hospitals and professionalized clinics), but some of the surviving barber shops of old maintain the famous pole. There is one other thing about the barber pole, and it’s good to know if heading to South Korea anytime soon. If entering a “barbershop,” you may also get another kind of offer: a prostitute. Some brothels operate under the cover of a barbershop by using the pole. Just be aware of this if getting a haircut there.
Gore aside, the barber’s pole is a beautiful illuminating piece of comfort that someone awaits to give a good cut or shave. At Elite Barber, we have those Fairfax haircuts for all ages who need that occasional trim. The barber’s pole is no longer that scary backdrop of the Medieval times. It is welcoming, especially for the kids. Come on down for a good, clean cut.
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