The History and Meaning Behind the Blue on a Barber Pole

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What does the blue stand for on a barber pole?
Many modern barber poles have a blue stripe, which some historical sources cite as a tribute to the colours of the America flag. In Europe, the blue stripe was meant to differentiate barbers from doctors, as the two professions gradually began to grow apart.
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Have you ever wondered why barber poles outside tonsillectomies are typically red, white, and blue? This question’s solution can be found in the history of both medicine and barbering.

Barbering was originally thought to be a profession that included not only haircuts but also medical and dental operations. Barbers were in charge of bloodletting in the Middle Ages, a medical procedure that required drawing blood from a patient to treat a range of ailments. The blood extracted during these treatments is represented by the red stripes on a barber pole.

Barbers continued to use the pole as a representation of their work even when the medical field started to diverge from the barbering industry. The blue stripes on the pole stand in for the veins that could be seen on a patient’s skin during bloodletting, while the white stripes on the pole represent the bandages used to stop the bleeding.

The barber pole nevertheless serves as a reminder of the long history of the trade even if barbering today is mainly concerned with haircuts and grooming. In reality, the traditional red, white, and blue pole is still visible outside many tonsillectomy offices.

But what precisely is a tonsillectomy clinic? A barbershop is also known as a tonsorial parlor. The Latin word “tonsurus,” which meaning to shave, is where the word “tonsorial” originates. An establishment where individuals go to get their hair cut and shaved is called a tonsorial salon.

Let’s now discuss about leaving tips at barbershops. Between 15% and 20% of the price of your haircut is the standard gratuity for your barber. Therefore, if your haircut costs $20, you should tip your barber $3 to $4. Tipping is a method to express your gratitude for quality service and guarantee that your barber will look after your hair going forward.

Why are barbershops closed on Tuesdays, to sum up? Since barbershops were closed on Mondays so that barbers may go to church, this custom has existed since the turn of the 20th century. However, as many establishments started shutting on Mondays instead, this custom was quickly shifted to Tuesdays. To honor this custom, many barbershops are still closed on Tuesdays in modern times.

In conclusion, the blue on a barber pole symbolizes the veins that are visible during bloodletting, a treatment that barbers formerly provided. Barbershops are also known as tonsorial parlors, and it is usual to tip your barber between 15% and 20% of the price of your haircut. Tuesdays are typically off for barbershops as an homage to a custom from the early 20th century. You’ll be aware of the colorful barber pole’s rich history and significance the next time you encounter one.