World Beard Day

In Norse culture, Vikings saw their beards as a symbol of strength and masculinity.

Warriors often braided their beards before battle, believing it brought them luck and intimidated enemies.

Some even coated them with resin to make them stiff and unbreakable. Similarly, the ancient Celts thought a warrior’s beard held his life force—shaving it off was a great dishonor.

In 1705, Russian Tsar Peter the Great introduced a “beard tax” to encourage clean-shaven faces.

Men who wanted to keep their beards had to pay and carry a special “beard token” as proof.

Police could forcibly shave men who refused. This law aimed to modernize Russia, as Peter admired the beardless styles of Western Europe.

Yes! An American insurance company once insured a Santa Claus performer’s beard for $5 million.

If his real beard was ever damaged or accidentally shaved, he could claim compensation.

Similarly, actors who rely on their beards for roles sometimes take out beard insurance, just like celebrities insure body parts.

Studies show beards make men look more dominant, mature, and even more trustworthy in certain situations.

In 2016, researchers found that job applicants with beards were rated as more competent for leadership roles. However, another study revealed that in high-security jobs like law enforcement, clean-shaven faces are often preferred.

While traditional beard contests focus on length and fullness, some feature extreme categories.

In the “Freestyle Beard” category, participants sculpt beards into wild shapes like bicycles, animal faces, or even a replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Some contestants use wax and wire to create towering, gravity-defying designs.

Surprisingly, yes! A thick beard can act like a filter, trapping pollen and dust before they enter the respiratory system.

Some doctors believe beards could reduce hay fever symptoms. However, this only works if the beard is washed regularly—otherwise, it can trap allergens too well and make things worse.

The Guinness World Record for the longest female beard belongs to Vivian Wheeler, whose beard measured 10.04 inches (25.5 cm).

She has a condition called hypertrichosis, which causes excessive hair growth. Instead of shaving, she embraced her beard and became a sideshow performer.

Yes! In 1535, England’s King Henry VIII banned beards—even though he had one himself.

Later, Queen Elizabeth I imposed hefty fines on men with beards over two weeks old.

These rules were meant to enforce grooming standards and distinguish social classes. Ironically, beards returned to fashion in England just a century later.

In some Middle Eastern cultures, stroking another man’s beard was once considered an act of deep respect or a way to settle disputes.

However, in many European traditions, touching another man’s beard without permission was a grave insult that could lead to a duel.

Even today, many bearded men take offense if someone touches their beard uninvited.

Absolutely! In sub-zero temperatures, moisture from breathing and sweat can freeze onto facial hair.

In places like Canada and Siberia, men have competed to see who can form the biggest icicle beard in winter.

Some beards become so stiff that they need to be thawed before they can move their mouths properly.