It is believed moustaches were first introduced in Neolithic times, with the first picture dating back to 300BC. However it was in the early Victorian era when they began as a fashion trend.
The word moustache is a French word that originally stems from the Italian word mustachio.
Many men use their moustaches to symbolise their power, religious status, sexual virility and wisdom. A mo is used as a sign of masculinity and dominance between men.
The annual celebration of the moustache, Movember, is into its 14th year, with hairy upper lips across the country getting their final week’s grooming.
From a conversation between mates over a cold drink in Fitzroy in 2003 to more than 70,000 registered participants raising $16.3million in 2015, it has been a growing phenomenon. Just like its facial hair focus.
Melbourne mates Travis Garone and Luke Slattery found 30 men who were willing to take part in the first Movember and charged them each $10 to grow their moustache.
In 2004 after the first year having such a huge success, a website was created for the organisation to gain a bigger following.
Movember promotes four main issues – prostate cancer, men’s mental health, testicular cancer and physical inactivity.
Through Movember’s partners, money raised throughout November goes to men’s health programs including prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health.
Visit Movember.com.au for more info on the foundation’s history, the issues men face and their personal achievements through the foundation’s work and research over the years. There is also information on how you can get involved or donate to those growing their mo.
Hairy Fun Facts
- The average man touches his mo over 760 times a day
- Moustache hair grows faster than any other body hair
- In 2008 a poll in a British newspaper found 61% of respondents found moustaches to be gentlemanly and sophisticated, while the other 39% said it was only for a joke with friends.
- There are between 10,000 and 20,000 hairs on a man’s face and the average moustache has 600.
- Albert Einstein sported his moustache for over 50 years.
- In a deck of cards the King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache.
