A Catalogue of Useless Facts

Barber Poles

Barber Poles
- history / symbology -

​​Prior to the mid-1500s, barbers had duties beyond treating and trimming hair. As barber-surgeons, they were also responsible for many minor medical procedures, most notably the catch-all remedy of bloodletting. Though barbers have since been banned from surgical practices, the traditional red-and-white stripes of the barber pole remains as a reference to barber-surgeons and the blood and bandages of their trade.

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Sources ▼

https://www.history.com/news/ask-history/why-are-barber-poles-red-white-and-blue...