What does your beard say about you?

For many Americans, November brings more than Thanksgiving celebrations. It is also a time for people drop their razors and participate in what is known as No-Shave November, making this the hairiest time of year. 

This event is pretty self-explanatory: you simply don’t shave for the entire month. Sounds easy enough. But what exactly does it mean to grow facial hair?

For many men, it is an outward expression of masculinity. Society has long associated masculinity or “manliness” with facial hair. Lumberjacks, Pirates, and Vikings are all figures we often associate with beards. Danielle Cook, a working archaeologist and Southern Miss grad student said, “The notion of masculinity connected with facial hair isn’t a new fad, but one that has been around for centuries. For instance, during the Middle Ages, laws were in place to protect a man’s beard and those who violated a man’s beard were considered criminals.”

Others try to turn the month into something productive. The men of Kappa Alpha at Southern Miss decided to turn the “Man-Month” into a means to promote philanthropy. They are accepting pledges for charity as long as the members refuse to shave. All the money goes  to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The growing and tending of facial hair also has a religious aspect. The Bible states in Leviticus 19:27 that, “You shall not round the corners of your head, and neither shalt thou mar the edges of thy beard.”

In Greek mythology, the gods Zeus and Poseidon are always portrayed with beards.

In Islam, keeping a beard is considered commendable because it is following the example of Muhammed, who was also bearded.

In Judaism, the Zohar discourages facial hair removal and attributes holiness to the beard. Jewish law also prohibits shaving with a razor.

No-Shave November is not only for men, though. Women everywhere are also jumping into the event. Some girls show their support of the event by directly participating and taking a month off from shaving their legs. Others may not participate but show their support for those who do.  Gabby Windham from Memphis, Tennessee, said, “I don’t hate No-Shave November. I like my man’s scruff.”