Why is a barber pole red and white?
Prior to this century, the barber and the dentist were the same person! It was from this dual practice that we have the bright red and white striped pole commonly associated with barbershop quartets. During that time period, this unique profession practiced bloodletting. During bloodletting, you were told to squeeze a pole as tight as possible. This would cause the veins to pop out, and the blood to flow more freely. The pole would get red from the blood, so they decided to paint the pole red to camouflage the bloodstains. When the pole was not in use, they put it outside to advertise the practice. They wrapped the pole with white gauze used after bloodletting – hence, the modern barber’s pole. Antidotes and Anecdotes – thanks to Dr. Mani Campos for alerting us to this info that is copied from LWW.com Insider, September 2001 issue Vol. 1, No. 4.
