The beard has been the symbol of manliness since time out of mine, close trimmed, full and properly manicured, even wild and bushy and out of control, the beard stands supreme. It has stood for many masculine virtues, including wisdom, strength, high social status, even sexual prowess, especially in warrior cultures.
While there have been places that it hasn’t necessarily been in style, or even possible to grow for some, overall there has been a great deal of admiration and respect for someone sporting a fine beard. Beard Day celebrates the beard and all it has been, become, and will be in days to come.
History of Beard Day
Every year people gather in places all over the world to sport their beard, with various ways of celebrating all over the world. The origins of Beard Day have been lost to history, which isn’t surprising considering that there is evidence that the Danish Vikings have held a day in honor of their beard going back as far as 800 AD. Back in those august days, there wasn’t a specific day held to honor the beard, but multiple celebrations throughout the region. Some of the celebrations are even a little crazy.
Take Dönskborg, Sweden for instance, where all those who lack a beard are banished from the town to spend a day and night in the nearby forest. In town, their shamefully clean-faced visages are burned in effigy by those sporting amazing beards. In southern Spain, there is a tradition of having a bearded man and a beardless boy engage in a boxing match if you can call it a boxing match when the man is armed with a sharp pike. Regardless of where you are, shaving on Beard Day is considered to be one of the worst acts of disrespect possible, and in some places, those with beards have waited on hand and foot!
How to celebrate Beard Day
How Beard Day is celebrated varies from area to area, as mentioned above, but all of them share one thing in common. The beard is held in high esteem. Organize a Beard Day in your community, and be sure to include that manliest of outdoor cooking methods, the BBQ. Beverages are always loved, and after everyone has feasted you can hold a competition to see who has the most magnificent beard! Beard Day honors your face ferret and that of everyone around you!
