National Beard Day

A handsome man with a well-groomed beard, wearing a stylish suit, in a bustling city scene.. — National beard day illustration

Have you ever wondered why men around the world celebrate their facial fur every 5th of September? Yes, it's National Beard Day folks! Prepare to dive into the whiskery depths of this day's history and find out why it's making beards twirl with excitement.

When is Beard Day?

It's national beard day on the 5th September.

A Brief History of National Beard Day

On the face of it, you might think National Beard Day was created as another lighthearted day of internet whimsy. But take a closer trim, and you'll discover it rides on the back of a long history of bearded love. It first exploded onto the internet in the year 2015 and peaked in online mentions on 5th of September the same year with a hairy 2106 mentions. However, the roots of celebrating facial hair reach much further back. Honouring beards has a long precedent in human societies, where beards were symbols of wisdom, strength, and standard setters of fashion.

How is National Beard Day Celebrated?

Today, National Beard Day harnesses our love for the facial fuzz, providing an opportunity for proud beard-growers to show off their manly manes and for beard admirers to appreciate these marvelous growths. Many participate through social media trends, post makeovers of their beloved beard, engage in beard grooming activities, and attend local beard-and-moustache competitions. Yes, those are real, and yes, they are fabulous.

Why Do We Celebrate It?

The concept of National Beard Day ultimately brings together a community of people who simply love beards. The day not only appreciates the freedom of expressing individuality through beards, but also uses the fascinating array of beard styles as a creative, fun and light-hearted way to bring about awareness regarding men's health issues.

History behind the term 'Beard'

5th century BC

The Ancient Start

The term 'beard' finds its roots in ancient civilizations, with evidence of men growing facial hair dating back to the 5th century BC. In these early times, beards were primarily seen as a symbol of masculinity and wisdom. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all embraced the trend of sporting impressive beards as a sign of distinction and power.

4th century BC

The Shaving Ritual

During the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, famous for his conquests, implemented a shaving ritual for his soldiers. This act of trimming the beard was a strategic move to prevent enemy soldiers from gaining an advantage by pulling on facial hair during close combat. This trend caught on, and many soldiers started to shave their beards regularly to follow in the footsteps of their esteemed leader.

16th century

Beard Renaissance

Fast forward to the 16th century, and beards experienced a renaissance across Europe. The trend of growing elaborate beards became fashionable among the upper class, particularly in England during the reign of Tudor monarchs. Beards became a symbol of social status and were often styled with intricate designs, sometimes even adorned with flowers and ribbons.

19th century

The Beard Tax

In 19th-century Russia, Tsar Peter the Great introduced a beard tax as part of his efforts to modernize the country. The tax aimed to discourage men from wearing beards, as Peter believed they hindered the adoption of Western fashion and culture. Those who refused to pay the hefty tax had to carry a token indicating their non-compliance, which often led to social stigma.

20th century

The Movember Movement

Moving into the 20th century, the perception of beards shifted. While facial hair became less common, mustaches gained attention through the Movember movement. Originating in Australia in 2003, Movember aims to raise awareness for men's health issues by encouraging men to grow mustaches and engage in fundraising activities throughout the month of November.