Beard Tax: Pay or Lose Your Beard

   

                    
Did you know that in some periods of history, having a beard could cost you money? That's right, some rulers imposed a beard tax on their subjects, forcing them to either pay up or shave off their facial hair. In this blog post, we'll explore the origins and consequences of the beard tax in both ancient England and Russia.



Let's start with England. Although there is some debate about whether Henry VII actually introduced a beard tax in the late 15th century, there is evidence that he did impose a tax on woolen cloth, which was used to make beards by some men who couldn't grow their own. According to historian Ian Mortimer, Henry VII also issued a proclamation in 1487 that forbade "any manner of person to wear any beard above his mouth". This was probably aimed at discouraging the fashion of long beards that was popular among his enemies, the Yorkists.



However, the most famous English beard tax was proposed by Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, in 2016. He suggested that men who have beards should pay a higher rate of income tax than those who are clean-shaven, as a way of raising funds for public services. He argued that beards are a sign of privilege and wealth, and that they should be taxed accordingly. Of course, this was not a serious proposal, but rather a joke made during an interview with a radio station. Corbyn himself has a beard, and he said he would be happy to pay more tax for it.



Now let's move on to Russia. The most well-documented beard tax in history was imposed by Peter the Great in 1698. Peter was an ambitious and reformist tsar who wanted to modernize Russia and make it more like Western Europe. He travelled across Europe in disguise to learn about shipbuilding, culture, and technology. He was impressed by the clean-shaven look of the Europeans, and he decided to ban beards in Russia as a way of breaking with the old traditions and customs.


             
To enforce his decree, Peter ordered his police to shave off the beards of anyone who refused to comply. He also levied a tax on those who wanted to keep their beards, which varied depending on their social status and occupation. The highest tax was 100 rubles per year for wealthy merchants, while the lowest was two half-kopeks for peasants every time they entered a city. Those who paid the tax received a beard token, which was a metal coin with an image of a beard on one side and an eagle on the other. The token had to be carried at all times as proof of payment.



The beard tax was met with resistance and resentment by many Russians, especially those who belonged to the Orthodox Church. They believed that wearing a beard was a religious duty and a symbol of piety. They also saw it as part of their national identity and heritage. Some even considered being shaved as blasphemous and humiliating. The beard tax lasted until 1772, when it was abolished by Catherine the Great.



So there you have it: the story of the beard tax in both ancient England and Russia. What do you think of this policy? Would you pay to keep your beard or would you shave it off? Let me know in the comments below!