Beard Liberation Front
31st December
Contact BLF Organiser Keith Flett @keithbeard.bsky.social
CAMPAIGNERS CANCEL NEW YEAR TRADITION OF FIRST BEARDING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that it has cancelled the annual revival of the ancient New Year tradition of First Bearding this year, due to a forecast of significantly inclement weather
Traditionally at midnight on New Year’s morning the first person with a beard across the doorstep of a house, or on this occasion only a false beard, must be given a glass of imperial stout or equivalent to marinade their beard in. In return the beard wearer will bring good fortune for the coming year.
First Bearding can be when a stranger with a beard comes to the house, as in first footing, or when someone with a beard already inside steps outside to return again.
The campaign group which opposes irrational prejudice against the hirsute says that the tradition of First Bearding is thought to have been as popular as first footing but declined with the more clean-shaven culture after 1945
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, with a weather forecast of it being wet and windy for many at midnight there is just too much danger to First Bearders follicles to proceed this year. We plan to revive the tradition again at the end of 2025 with hopefully rather more beard friendly weather.
GUIDELINES ON FIRST BEARDING
On or immediately after the stroke of midnight on December 31/January 1 await a knock on the door
If the person has a beard welcome them in as a First Bearder. Check first however that it is not Liz Truss wearing a fake beard.
Be sure to answer the door promptly as otherwise the First Bearder may sustain weather damage to the beard.
If they attempt to give you a lump of coal, ignore this. It is not part of the modern tradition of First Bearding
Give them a glass of imperial stout or equivalent to marinade their beard in & wish them a Happy Hirsute New Year
Notes
National No Shaving Day is 1st January 2025
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