Barbershops are everywhere, but have you ever noticed their red, white, and sometimes blue striped pole? This familiar symbol has a surprising and dark origin, dating back to a time when barbers also served as caregivers. So what’s the story behind this emblem?
From barber surgeons to the intriguing history of the pole
From the Middle Ages onwards, barbers were not limited to hairdressing and shaving. They also performed medical procedures, such as bloodletting, a method of removing blood to treat or prevent diseases. This practice was essential in an era when medical knowledge was rudimentary and surgeons were rare.
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