Blood, Bandages, and Barbers: Decoding the Gruesome History of the Iconic Barber Pole

an extensive overview of the barber pole's history and symbolism, tracing its origins from medieval times when barber surgeons performed medical procedures like bloodletting alongside haircuts. The red and white stripes of the pole symbolize the bloody and clean bandages used in these practices, while the blue, particularly in the United States, represents venous blood or patriotic ties to the flag. The text explains that the spiral pattern originated from bloody bandages twisting in the wind, later becoming a painted advertisement as laws gradually separated barbers from surgeons, a process largely completed by  ...