Beard Tax facts
While investigating facts about Beard Tax, I found out little known, but curios details like:
At the end of the 17th century in an attempt to modernize society, Russian Emperor Peter the Great taxed any men who didn't shave their beard. Those that paid the tax carried around a copper or bronze token as proof they had paid.
In 1698 Peter The Great introduced the “Beard Tax” after he visited Western Europe and liked their fashion sense. Anyone with a beard was forced to pay tax for it, and in turn given a beard token. If you were stopped by the police without the token they would immediately shave your face on sight
In my opinion, it is useful to put together a list of the most interesting details from trusted sources that I've come across. Here are 20 of the best facts about Beard Tax I managed to collect.
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In 17th century Russia, bearded man were required to pay a tax in order to be able to keep it. They also had to carry a token with the phrase "the beard is a superfluous burden"
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Russia had a beard tax. In the 1700's Peter The Great wanted his noblemen to look more European (no beard). A man wishing to keep have his beard would purchase a token which he would then carry with him.
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In 1699, a ‘beard tax’ was introduced to encourage Russian men to shave their beards off to look more European; men who didn’t pay would be held down and shaved
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Beard taxes were a thing back in the day. Peter the Great personally de-bearded several nobles after a visit to Western Europe.
What is true about beard tax?
You can easily fact check it by examining the linked well-known sources.
A Beard Tax is Being Proposed in England, and It’s Not the First - source
A religion in Russia used to tax men for their beards. - source
In 1968, Russian Emperor Peter the Great instituted a beard tax on his subjects. To enforce the ban, he empowered police to forcibly and publicly shave those who refused to pay.
People used to be taxed for having a long beard and/or wearing a robe - source
In 1698, Russian Emperor Peter I implemented a beard tax in an attempt to enforce a ban on long facial hair.
A beard tax is a real thing and totally legal in most countries. I was like 'how is your own DNA taxed?'
