Barber Poles and Leeches

Explore the fascinating origins of the classic barber pole, where the colors signify the services offered, from bloodletting to haircuts. Discover the surprising rise of leeches in medical practices during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as they were used for a variety of ailments. The ornate leech jars of the 18th and 19th centuries reveal a time when these creatures were a staple in both barber and physician offices.