Barbers
As Surgeons
Up to the year
1416, the barbers practiced surgery and dentistry.
Origin
Of Barber Pole
The modern barber pole originated in the
days when bloodletting was one of the principal
duties of the barber. The two spiral ribbons
painted around the pole represent the two
long bandages, one twisted around the arm
before bleeding and the other used to bind
is afterward. Originally, when not in use,
the pole with a bandage wound around it,
so that both might be together when needed,
was hung at the door as a sign. But later,
for convenience, instead of hanging out
the original pole, another one was painted
in imitation of it and given a permanent
place on the outside of the shop. This was
the beginning of the modern barber pole.
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