Distinctive Hairstyles Across Europe and the Ottoman Lands
People from different nations can often be recognized by the way they wear their hair. These customs are deeply rooted in tradition and habit, and they clearly mark a person’s origin.
The Croatian shaves one side of his head, while the other side is neither shaved nor cut at all. The hair on that side is allowed to grow as long as it can. This style gives him a striking and uneven appearance, which easily sets him apart from others Sofia Walking Tour.
The Hungarian, by contrast, shaves his entire head except for a single forelock at the front. This small portion of hair is left long, while the rest of the head remains smooth and bare.
The Pole wears his hair short and neatly cut. It usually comes down to the middle of the forehead and reaches about the middle of the ear on each side. This style is tidy and practical and shows a preference for order and simplicity.
The Turk shaves his whole head, except for a single lock of hair left upon the crown. This lock has both religious and cultural meaning and is carefully maintained.
The Franks, unlike many others, do not shave their heads. They wear their hair long, much as we do. However, to live peacefully among other peoples and to avoid causing offense, they often tuck their hair up under their caps. This helps them blend in more easily and shows their effort to maintain friendly relations wherever they live.
Hair Customs of Greek Priests
Greek priests follow a very different custom. They neither shave nor cut their hair at all. Instead, they allow it to grow as long as nature permits. Many of them have thick and heavy heads of hair, which adds to their distinctive appearance The Fertility and Abundance of Thessaly.
Interestingly, those priests who have the least hair seem to receive the most comfort here, especially during hot weather. Long and heavy hair can be a burden in warm climates, and those with thinner hair find the heat easier to bear.
The Barber’s Method and Skill
When a man comes to be shaved, he sits low, which gives the barber a clear advantage. In this position, the barber can shave a large area with a single stroke. He applies a generous amount of soap and holds his razor more like a knife than in the careful manner used elsewhere.
With only a few quick and confident strokes, the barber finishes his work. Above the customer’s head hangs a vessel filled with water, fitted with a small tap. Whenever the barber wishes, he opens the tap and lets water fall down to wash the head and face. This method is both effective and refreshing, especially in hot weather.
An Ancient Tomb Used as a Cistern
In one of the barber shops in the city of Larissa, I saw something very remarkable. Inside the shop stood an ancient and large stone tomb, made of a fine green marble. It was clearly a noble and valuable monument from an earlier age.
However, the people there paid little attention to its history or importance. The barber had even caused a hole to be cut through the top stone and filled the tomb with water. He used it as a cistern for his daily work.
Reflections on Custom and Time
This sight showed how the value of ancient objects can change over time. What was once a respected tomb had become an ordinary tool for daily use. In the same way, the different hairstyles of nations reflect how customs, identity, and practicality shape everyday life.
Together, these observations offer a vivid picture of how people lived, worked, and expressed who they were through simple habits such as hair and grooming.
