Historically, the usual profession of barber combined both a hairdresser and a surgeon. The master could not only cut hair, but also perform surgery of various levels of complexity. To designate such a place, they literally used a pole with a tricolor, which announced: here you can shave your beard or pull out a tooth or even amputate a limb. Do not be surprised: in the Middle Ages, there were all sorts of requests.
There are many versions of the interpretation of the colors on the barber pool. These are the colors of the flag of the USA and the Netherlands, the countries where such procedures originated in principle. There is also a more symbolic version, where red symbolized blood, blue - veins, and white - sterile clean bandages. Or one where white is sterility, and blue is clean water. Modern realities create a new context in which the tricolor has a slightly different meaning and causes quite justified aggression. But the knowledge of history will help to understand what is called "to be in the theme". Not to mention the fact that history always goes in a spiral, and therefore justice will prevail.
In fact, in our time, it is a kind of quality mark that is recognizable and signals, saying: "Be sure, this place respects traditions and canons. This is not a hairdresser or beauty salon, but a place where they know what they are doing". And it is true - from the external manifestations in the form of a historical symbol to the internal: such as a royal shave with steaming skin and a dangerous razor.
Today, the barber pool looks like the same column, but in a modern wrapper. The classic version, a three-colored rotating and illuminated cylinder. The visual component attracts attention, and says that the institution is ready to welcome guests. And guests can be sure: all the components of a traditional barbershop, which we mentioned above, are waiting for them.
Fun fact: Sometimes a barber pool becomes a subject of controversy. For example, in the U.S. state of Michigan in March 2012, legislation appeared that suggests that "barber poles" should be allowed only in traditional barbershops, not in every barber shop or beauty salon. Barbers argue that they have exclusive rights to use the symbol because of the tradition associated with the craft, while hairdressers and beauticians believe that they are capable of cutting men's hair just as well. The case even went to court, but later went into oblivion.
Fun fact №2: But in South Korea such laws are not common. There, traditional "hairdressing pillars" are used both for hairdressing salons and for... brothels! Brothels disguised as hair salons use two recognizable "sticks" next to each other, which often rotate in opposite directions. Actual barber shops, to avoid confusion, usually use a single pole with a picture of a woman with her hair down and the word "barber shop" written on it.
So the barber pole is by no means a controversial symbol. It is an integral part of barbering culture and a tribute to the history of the craft.
by Anton Kolosov
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