Clemone

Bearded since: 2001 or 2002. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I grew my beard because I've always been the hairy guy at school and why not bring out the features God has blessed me with? I just turned 18, but I've always been a heavily bearded boy. I had to start shaving at 13 and it just became a hassle when razor burn became a big problem. I also feel that there is alot of history behind the beard. It is a sign of masculinity. I read somewhere that it is actually a sin for Christians to shave, that it makes a man more effeminate. Hasidic Jews cannot cut the corners of their beards because hundreds of years ago only straight razors were available and causing self-harm was a sin and if you were to slip while shaving and cut yourself, you have sinned. Coming from a Christian Middle-Eastern family, I have a strong connection to the ways of our Semitic ancestors. I am not religious but i find the religious implications of beards fascinating.

My beard makes me feel like a Babylonian warrior, a Phoenician ship trader, an ascetic monk. Beards were given to man for a reason. Grow what you can.