moai
Unicode: 1F5FF
Description
A tall, cylindrical, red and white striped pole often topped with a ball or a spiral, associated with barbershops.
Group:
Objects > other-object
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Typically represents barbershops, haircuts, male grooming, or a nostalgic, old-fashioned aesthetic.
Backstory
The barber's pole is a traditional symbol of the barber profession. It dates back to the Middle Ages, when barbers (barber-surgeons) not only cut hair but also performed surgeries, dentistry, and bloodletting. The red color represented blood, the white represented the bandages, and the blue (sometimes included) represented veins. The spiral shape is thought to represent the poles bloodied bandages were wrapped around to dry outside the shop.
Usage Examples
- Indicating a barbershop location: 'Need a trim, heading to the 💈.'
- Talking about getting a haircut: 'Time for a fresh cut 💈.'
- Referring to male grooming: 'This product is great for beard care 💈.'
- Expressing nostalgia: 'Loving the old school vibe of this place 💈.'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Widely recognized as a universal symbol for a barbershop, dating back to medieval times when barbers also performed surgical procedures.
East Asian culture:
Also recognized as a barbershop symbol, though its historical context related to bloodletting may be less prominent.