The barber pole is an iconic symbol that has been in existence for centuries. As a token of traditional barbershops, it has become a worldwide symbol that many recognize but few truly understand. What does the barber pole mean? This article will discuss the history of the barber pole and its symbolism throughout different cultures.
History
Hundreds of years ago, barbers were far more than just hair stylists, they provided medical services to those who couldn’t afford a doctor. In the 18th century, barber poles served as advertisements for their services and were seen as a sign of a qualified professional. The traditional red-and-white striped pole represents the staff that was used by surgeons to control bleeding during operations. This combined with the bowl and razor on top symbolizing the practice of dentistry and haircutting respectively.
Barbers provided many treatments that would otherwise be unaffordable to lower classes such as bloodletting, leeching, and even some surgical procedures like amputations or cauterization. Rrad more: https://lumbuy.com/best-vintage-barber-pole/
Bloodletting
Bloodletting has been used for centuries as a form of medical therapy. The practice, which is defined as the withdrawal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent disease, can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece. It was once believed that it worked by removing evil spirits or excess fluids from the body, but in modern times it's no longer accepted as an effective form of treatment.
The barber pole is one of the most recognizable symbols associated with bloodletting, due to its traditional association with barbers who doubled as surgeons during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The red-and-white striped pole originated in England and was used to advertise a barber's services; the red stripes represented arterial blood while the white denoted venous blood.
Leeching
Leeching has a long history as an effective medical practice. Dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, leeching was used as a means of removing "bad blood" from the body in order to balance out its health. By the Middle Ages, leeching had become entrenched in medical practice and barbers were even authorized to perform the procedure with their iconic barber pole symbolizing blood-letting.
The use of medicinal leeches grew increasingly popular throughout Europe during this period for the treatment of conditions such as headaches and gout. However, it wasn’t until 1884 that French physician François-Joseph-Victor Broussais suggested that they could also be applied to plastic surgery procedures as a way to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Teething
Teething is an important milestone in a baby’s development, and it has been observed since ancient times. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that teething practices were around even during the days of the Roman Empire. It was common for barbers back then to administer remedies for teething infants through methods such as applying herbs on their gums or wrapping them in cloth. This history of barbering and teething goes way back, which is why the iconic barber pole symbolizes both activities today.
Though traditional treatments are no longer used today, many parents continue to look for ways to ease their baby’s teething discomfort. Modern remedies include giving cold items like teethers or wet washcloths to chew on and providing medications with ibuprofen or acetaminophen when necessary.
Surgical Procedure
The history of surgical procedures goes back centuries, to the very first barber-surgeons. Dating as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece, these individuals often held dual roles to their communities: providing haircuts, shaves, and other grooming services while also serving a role in medical care. Though their tools may not have been as sophisticated or advanced as modern ones used today by professional surgeons, barbers were responsible for a number of important medical procedures throughout history.
From simple lancing of boils to removing stones from bladder and other organs to even performing amputations and trepanation (the drilling of holes into the skull), these skilled practitioners were invaluable in times when access to more specialized medical care was scarce. What's more, they often provided this care while using relatively primitive tools ,some even using instruments with blades that could be sharp enough to perform surgery.
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