The sight of a barber pole is nostalgic for many, but since it's a topic I researched once for a features piece I did, I think of them differently. I think blood. Because that's what the red originally stood for because barbers used to be surgeons and dentists long ago. They would hang the bloody bandages to dry on a pole outside the business. Really!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Modern Barber Pole
The sight of a barber pole is nostalgic for many, but since it's a topic I researched once for a features piece I did, I think of them differently. I think blood. Because that's what the red originally stood for because barbers used to be surgeons and dentists long ago. They would hang the bloody bandages to dry on a pole outside the business. Really!
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That is very interesting information. I'm not surprised about all the shared duties, but the bloody bandages being symbolized on the pole is certainly new info for me. Thanks for the insight!
ReplyDeleteI'm also amazed at this information. Hanging the bloody rags out on the pole...no wonder so many people died...sterilization was an unknown medical technique then.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that! Makes sense, though. I remember those western movies where they'd bring some shot up fellow in for treatment and the barber would leave his customer in the chair while he did surgery in the back room.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a barber pole quite like this one, though!
Thanks, Diva, for your very nice comment on Ocala DP.
Yes, that is right. We had a dentist, when we first moved here that I went to once, who seemed to think he was a barber.
ReplyDeleteWhere was this picture taken?
ReplyDeleteThe picture was taken somewhere along McMillan...
ReplyDelete