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 The
modern barber pole originated in the days when bloodletting
was one of the principal duties of the barber. The two spiral
ribbons painted around the pole represent the two long bandages,
one twisted around the arm before bleeding, and the other
used to bind is afterward. Originally, when not in use, the
pole with a bandage wound around it, so that both might be
together when needed, was hung at the door as a sign. But
later, for convenience, instead of hanging out the original
pole, another one was painted in imitation of it and given
a permanent place on the outside of the shop. This was the
beginning of the modern barber pole.
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