Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Quote of the Day: Peter the Great's Hairy Decree

Hence forth, in accordance with this, His Majesty's decree, all court attendants... provincial service men, government officials of all ranks, military men, all the members of the wholesale merchants' guild and members of the guilds purveying of our household must shave their beards and moustaches.


Tsar Peter the Great. Although this brought Peter and many of his court into conflict with Orthodox teaching on the wearing of facial hair the decree, dated 16th January 1705, was largely adhered to.

Read more about the historical significance of hairstyles in our article Scissors or Sword: The Symbolism of a Medieval Haircut

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