What does the term "barber pole" symbolize?

The term "barber pole" symbolizes a significant historical context related to the profession of barbering. The traditional colors of the barber pole—red, white, and sometimes blue—represent various aspects of the barber's historical role. The red symbolizes blood, relating to the surgical procedures that barbers used to perform in the past, such as bloodletting. The white represents bandages that were used to wrap wounds, reflecting the healing aspect of their work. In some interpretations, the blue color is thought to refer to veins, which further highlights the connection to the medical and surgical duties that barbers had before becoming more focused on grooming and hairstyling. This historical symbolism emphasizes the evolution of barbers from medical practitioners to skilled grooming professionals while maintaining a visual identity that honors their past.