A barber (from the Latin barba, “beard”) is someone whose occupation is to cut any type of hair and give shaves or trim beards. The barber’s trade is an ancient one, with razors having been found among relics of the Bronze Age (circa 3500 BC) in Egypt. Barbering was introduced to Rome by the Greek colonies in Sicily in 296 B.C. and barbershops quickly became very popular centers for daily news and gossip. A morning visit to the tonsor (barber) became a part of the daily routine (as important as the visit to the public baths) and a young man’s first shave (tonsura) was an essential part of his coming of age ceremony. Barbers in ancient times were also surgeons and dentists. In addition to haircutting, hairdressing and shaving, barbers performed surgery, bloodletting and leeching, fire cupping and tooth extractions. Thus, they were called “barber surgeons” and formed their first organization in 1094. Eventually, the two professions were split by King George II in 1745.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:50:00 +0000
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