My 5 year old asked:
“What’s that swirly thing up there daddy?” 

I explained:
“…it’s a barber pole.” 💈 

Then came the inevitable:
“… but why daddy?”

I then said:
“… I haven’t a clue.” 😂 

So I found out…

And was surprised to learn that:
It went could be traced back to the Middle Ages. 

A time when Barbers did more than just haircuts. 💇‍♂️ 
They also did minor operations for the poor.
Like pulling out bad teeth. 

But most famously.
Bloodletting… 🔪 

This practice involved drawing blood from the patient.
In those days they believed it to cure disease or infection. 🤒 

This is thought to be inspiration behind the pole.👇  

💈 The red and white stripes:
Represent the blood soaked bandages. 

💈 The pole:
Symbolises an instrument people gripped during procedures.

💈 Whilst the blue stripe (Which came later):
Are said to represent the American flag.
Though Europe it was said to help communicate dentistry services.

Now barber shops around the world proudly sport a barber pole.
Thank goodness they don’t do bloodletting!!

But more than just a great story.
For me I reckon it was a branding device that was ahead of its time:

✅ It communicated what the business did
✅ It didn’t need reading (literacy was very low)
✅ It incredibly distinct and recognisable
✅ It was created based on the semiotics of what barbers did

Sometimes it is good to look back to look forward.

PS: 
If you are looking for branding help.
Hit up Excursion Studio ✖ 
Just maybe it might be around as long as the Barbers pole.
Minus the gory history. 😂