Moustache Trivia
"Moustaches are associated with the military." If you're Amish you already know that.
Five years ago, in May 2006, I got curious enough to test this hypothesis through research. Here are some excerpts from the findings I wrote down:
From what I can learn of mustaches and their association with military officers, the association was probably at its height in the 16th century in Europe. Beards were not worn then because they too easily became a handle with which to hold the head of an enemy when a soldier was attacking with a sword. Records exist of Anabaptists being adamantly opposed to the wearing of mustaches at that time.
In this country, beards and mustaches were both popular in the military around the time of the Civil War. By that time, guns had replaced swords, and beards were no longer the safety hazard they had been earlier. Beards and mustaches were also common among non-military men of the time.
Fashions had changed by the wartimes of the next century (1900's) and beards were abandoned in the military, for the most part. Mustaches may have been worn by some in the American military at mid-century, but a picture of the major generals of WW II reveals none of them having a mustache. Although the enclosed photo [not available here] is not too clear, individual pictures of the generals taken during that era show them with no facial hair. Generals Eisenhower and MacArthur were probably the best known generals, and they were both clean-shaven. Subsequently, the presence of any hair came to be viewed as a lice hazard, and new recruits were summarily shaved completely.
The above findings lead me to believe that in order to have a personal memory of mustaches being associated with the American military in any way at all, one would need to be well over 60 years old now. I personally suspect that the 16th century abhorrence of mustaches is the “memory” that has been passed down repeatedly, and is still fresh today among some–not as a recollection through experience, but as a memory of having been told it.
Five years ago, in May 2006, I got curious enough to test this hypothesis through research. Here are some excerpts from the findings I wrote down:
From what I can learn of mustaches and their association with military officers, the association was probably at its height in the 16th century in Europe. Beards were not worn then because they too easily became a handle with which to hold the head of an enemy when a soldier was attacking with a sword. Records exist of Anabaptists being adamantly opposed to the wearing of mustaches at that time.
In this country, beards and mustaches were both popular in the military around the time of the Civil War. By that time, guns had replaced swords, and beards were no longer the safety hazard they had been earlier. Beards and mustaches were also common among non-military men of the time.
Fashions had changed by the wartimes of the next century (1900's) and beards were abandoned in the military, for the most part. Mustaches may have been worn by some in the American military at mid-century, but a picture of the major generals of WW II reveals none of them having a mustache. Although the enclosed photo [not available here] is not too clear, individual pictures of the generals taken during that era show them with no facial hair. Generals Eisenhower and MacArthur were probably the best known generals, and they were both clean-shaven. Subsequently, the presence of any hair came to be viewed as a lice hazard, and new recruits were summarily shaved completely.
The above findings lead me to believe that in order to have a personal memory of mustaches being associated with the American military in any way at all, one would need to be well over 60 years old now. I personally suspect that the 16th century abhorrence of mustaches is the “memory” that has been passed down repeatedly, and is still fresh today among some–not as a recollection through experience, but as a memory of having been told it.
posted by Mrs. I at
3:05 PM
2 Comments:
I never knew the rationale behind why Amish have beards but no mustaches. I figured it was just the style frozen in time from European days. Much like how bonnet/covering styles are not too dissimilar from traditional dress in the Alsace and other parts of Europe. Thanks for the fascinating piece of trivia.
By
Deb, at 7/26/2011
I believe the military connection has not been on most people's radar for quite some time. Hubby likes the idea of some facial hair--you know--a manly thing to do. He has opted to just wear a mustache for occupational hazards as well. I don't think he would be afraid of a patient grabbing his beard, but it makes certain procedures more complicated when face masks are needed.
By
Dorcas Byler, at 7/27/2011
Post a Comment
<< Home