The Barber Shops in Times Gone By (and even in some shops today) often featured a colored pole with red, white, and blue stripes that created a traditional symbol that let you know that this was a place where not only could you get your hair cut, but that blood letting and bandaging were also available. For centuries, it was a common belief that when a person became ill, one of the best methods of treatment was to puncture a vein and draw out a pint or more of his blood. This art was for given to barbers back in the day. One encyclopedia states that in the middle ages doctors considered dissection beneath their dignity, and thus, they left this type of treatment to the ignorant barbers, who were called 'barber surgeons'. The red and white stripes represented blood and bandages.
Today, times have changed, we seldom see the evidence of blood in a barber shop, nor do we ever see any fresh white bandages on customers as they emerge from a barber chair. These old poles outside of barber shops are quickly disappearing and may soon be something we just don't see anymore in the not too distant future. The above rare image is a scene that reminds us of Times Gone By. Blood letting seems barbaric today, but donating blood to the American Red Cross or at your local medical facility can save lives. But the ultimate shedding of blood for the sake of the many was done by Jesus Christ two thousand years ago, for He paid the ultimate price for the sins of the world. Only through Him can we have true life. Life Eternal!
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
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