The Origin of the Barber PoleThe modern barber pole originated in the days when bloodletting was one of the principal duties of the barber. The two spiral ribbons painted around the pole represent the two long bandages, one twisted around the arm before bleeding, and the other used to bind is afterward. Originally, when not in use, the pole with a bandage wound around it, so that both might be together when needed, was hung at the door as a sign. But later, for convenience, instead of hanging out the original pole, another one was painted in imitation of it and given a permanent place on the outside of the shop. This was the beginning of the modern barber pole.
When I was a girl I use to walk by one of these and it always made me happy with it's bright colors...would never have guessed this is what it represented.
5 comments:
Interesting. I didn't know the history behind the pole.
I think a couple of shops around here still have barber poles. I'll have to look for them now.
No, I did not know that. Never heard that. I'm surprised the blood letting part didn't have something to do with Sweeny Todd. LOL
I did not know that. We still have a barber shop on our town square with a pole outside the door. Interesting
Wow. This is what I love about blogging, you never know what you will learn. I would never have guessed this one. Thanks for sharing the history. Peace
They say you learn something new every day and I must admit it's true. Where in the world did you find that out? That was interesting.
Sandie
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