In 1698 Peter the Great imposed a tax on his people for anyone who wanted to grow a beard. This was named the beard tax. Peter the Great was a reformer who wanted to modernize his country and bring it in line with Western European countries. He saw beards as a sign of backwardness and wanted to discourage men from wearing them. The tax was also seen as a way to raise revenue for the state.
Under the beard tax, men were required to pay a fee of 100 rubles per year (the equivalent of 1.5 kg of pure silver this would be approximately £958 today) if they wanted to keep their beards. Those who refused to pay the tax were forcibly shaved, and their beards were publicly displayed on a pole as a warning to others.
The beard tax was unpopular among the people, many of whom saw it as an infringement on their personal freedom. It was also difficult to enforce, as many men simply refused to pay the tax and continued to grow their beards in secret.
The beard tax was eventually abolished on this day 6th April, 1772 by Catherine the Great, who succeeded Peter the Great as ruler. Catherine was more tolerant of beards than her predecessor and saw the tax as unnecessary and unpopular.
Today, the beard tax is seen as a curious footnote in history, a reminder of a time when beards were a symbol of resistance and individuality. Although the tax is no longer in place, beards continue to be a popular fashion statement among men around the world.
Would you have to pay the beard tax if it was introduced in your country today? Let me know in the comments what you would do. Would you pay the tax or shave off your beard?
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