Historical Perspective Of The Age-old Profession Of Barbering

The professions of barbers and hairdressers are perhaps older than or at least as old as the most ancient civilizations

. Some archeological evidence suggests that as early as 3500 BCE, barbers were among the earliest and well-established professionals in Egyptian society. In fact, hieroglyphic inscriptions and artifacts indicate that barbers in ancient Egyptian culture were highly respected. They enjoyed high status in society. Ancient Egyptian priests and physicians were among the earliest barbers in history.

Some early pre-civilization tribes also had barbers who also serve as priests. Some ancient tribes had the belief that evil spirits can possess persons through their hair. Hence, they also believed that trimming or shaving the hair in ritualistic fashion can also remove the evil spirits. A few extant but isolated tribes today still have traces of these beliefs.

The term barber is derived from the Latin word 'barba' or beard. Barbers were distinguished from hairstylists and beauticians because of one of their former main tasks of shaving beards. During the Middle Ages, barbers also commonly performed surgeries and tooth extractions. The typical barber's pole symbolizes the former dual roles of barbers as hairdressers and as surgeons. Barbering was thus associated with masculinity.

This stereotype remains in some areas today. In some countries such as the Philippines, barbers still perform minor surgeries such as in the case of circumcision. The long razor is commonly used for this purpose.

Barbers were once highly paid professionals and they even exceeded the average income of trained medical surgeons. It was only during the nineteenth century that barbers were started to be regulated and prohibited from practicing surgery and dentistry. The social significance of barber shops, however, remained relatively stable. Just like in Ancient Greece and Rome, barber shops and even mobile street barbers still function as congregating focal points for gossips and community updates. From politics to the latest weather trends, barber shops and barbers remain as among the most sought-after heralds of 'casual' conversations.

Similar things can be said about women's beauty salons and about hairdressers in terms of social influence. Specialized hairdressers historically developed side-by-side with the barbering professions. Formerly, only the very rich and powerful such as queens can afford to regularly have regular hairdressing services.

In fact one of the original meanings of the term salon meant the gathering of people with the sponsorship of an influential and inspiring host. Some beauty salons and barber shops, either in affluent or ordinary neighborhoods, remain as influential gathering place.

by: Johnathon F Black

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