What is the purpose of the barber pole outside a barbershop?

The barber pole, with its distinctive red, white, and blue striped design, has historical significance that dates back to the days when barbers performed surgical procedures as well as hair cutting. The red color represents blood, the white represents bandages, and the blue is sometimes thought to represent veins. The intertwining of these colors symbolizes the dual role barbers played in society, bridging the functions of hair care and medical treatment.

Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the pole's purpose as it signifies the services of barbering and surgery. In the past, barbers not only cut hair but also performed bloodletting and other surgical tasks, making the barber pole a historical emblem of this multifaceted role.