Are You Or Your Partner Obsessed With Beards?

Are you a pogonophile? Or perhaps your wife/partner is? By 'Pogonophile' I'm referring to admittedly having an obsession of beards, and not suggesting you belong on a some form of legal register or anything of sort.

But when did the world first fall so deeply in love with men's facial hair? Had cupid got some weird obsession with all things furry and gone on an arrow shooting frenzy? Let's take a brief look at the history of beards, and why we (admit it!) love them so...

Firstly, let's clear up on the word 'Pogonophile'. Admittedly, it is not the most flattering word for a lover of beards, but here's what Wikipedia suggests the word actually means - 'POGONOPHILE' - (plural pogonophiles) One who loves or studies beards.' It really is as short and simple as that, something I feel we are all guilty as charged for being.

Men's facial hair has continued to grow in popularity throughout the years, often labelled as 'following the trend' or some form of a 'fashion statement'. Two of the most inaccurate statements that could be made in my personal opinion. Rather than label our beards, let's look back on where they all began...

PREHISTORIC BEARDS WERE A STRONG SYMBOL OF A MANLY MAN.

It is believed that prehistoric men packed an impressive face rug of a beard to act a symbol of intimidation and viewed as a symbol of a man's overall strength. Beards also act as a form of warmth, insulating the man from any cold harsh weathers he may face whilst sleeping outside. All in the name of Science, of course.

MACHO, MACHO MAN! 16TH CENTURY WERE MACHO MEN!

It was in fact in the 16th Century that beards became a rather trendy accessory for a man to yield, as pointy forked beards and pristine mustaches were booming in popularity amongst men of all ages. A beard was seen as masculine, wealthy and powerful. It was said the bigger the beard, the bigger the riches.

IT WAS OFF WITH THE BEARD IN THE 18TH CENTURY!

Believe it or not, there once was a time in history where beards were rather frowned upon, and did not carry the same influence that they once did. Mainly due to the heavy influence of the Puritans, who instead chose to wear tighter than tight tights and rather ridiculous wigs. Mmmm very manly?

THE BEARD BOOM WAS BACK IN BUSINESS IN THE 19TH CENTURY!

Thankfully the temporary disappearance of the beard didn't last forever, as during the 19th century President Abraham Lincoln became the first President of the United States of America to flourish out a little face fluff of a beard to call his own, which in turn saw beard popularity rise once again across the faces of male Americans. God bless bearded America.

TODAY BEARDS ARE BOOMING UPON THE FACES OF MEN MORE THAN EVER BEFORE!