/oss/taxonomy/term/3700/all en /oss/article/you-asked/why-does-barbers-pole-have-red-stripe <p>During the Middle Ages monks were required to shave the crown of their head, a function commonly performed by itinerant barbers. Also, under ecclesiastic law, monks had to be periodically bled. This was supposedly a symbol of piousness, of devotion to God.</p> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 04:24:01 +0000 Joe Schwarcz 1489 at /oss