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World Beard Day

A distinguishing feature of masculinity, beards can offer a sense of ruggedness or refinement depending on the style.

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate masculine grooming and lifestyle with beard care product promotions, community events, and user-generated content contests tied to World Beard Day.

Relevance 62medium intent

Beard grooming tips and product showcases leading up to the first Saturday in September
Host or sponsor a local beard competition with prizes from grooming brands
Behind-the-scenes beard care tutorials and styling guides from influencers
BBQ + beard celebration event partnerships with food & beverage brands

History

Every year, on the first Saturday of September, people gather in cities and towns all over the world to revel in the glory of men’s beards, with various ways of celebrating all over the planet.

Since it is believed that people probably didn’t start shaving until about 4000 BC, in the beginning of history, almost all men would have had a beard. It was extremely functional for keeping warm, as well as for cushioning a blow if caught in a tussle.

The origins of World Beard Day have been lost to history, but some historians believe that there is evidence showing that the Danish Vikings have held a day in honor of their beards going back as far as 800 AD!

Back in those august days, there was not necessarily a specific day held to honor the beard, but multiple celebrations may have been held throughout each region. Some of the celebrations even seem a little crazy when looking back from modern times!

Take Dönskborg, Sweden, for instance, where all those men who do not have 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 has been a tradition of having a bearded man and a beardless boy engage in a boxing match. That is, if it can be called a boxing match when the man is armed with a sharp pike!

Regardless of where people are located, shaving on World Beard Day is considered to be one of the worst acts of disrespect possible.

In fact, in some places on World Beard Day, it is customary for those men who have beards to be honored and waited on hand and foot, by those who do not have beards.

For those with beards or without, it’s time for men, women and children of all ages and stations to celebrate World Beard Day!

How to celebrate

Organize a World Beard Day Celebration

Get the folks in your community together for an event that honors all things related to beards. Keep it small with just a party in the backyard, or go crazy by inviting the entire town. This could include all sorts of events, such as a parade of bearded people, a beard grooming demonstration or selling beard related products. Be sure to include that manliest of outdoor cooking methods, the BBQ. Beverages are always loved, and after everyone has feasted don’t forget to hold a competition to see who has the most magnificent beard!

FAQ

Why did some ancient warriors believe beards gave them power?

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.

What was the most bizarre beard-related law in history?

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.

Has anyone ever insured their beard?

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.

Do beards change the way people perceive you?

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.

What is the strangest beard competition category?

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.

Can beards help fight allergies?

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.

What is the longest beard ever grown by a woman?

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.

Have beards ever been banned in history?

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.

Are there any superstitions about touching someone else’s beard?

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.

Can a beard freeze in extreme cold?

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.