In the Top 5 most hilarious days of my life despite a particularly bad hangover.
Background on IMD below, otherwise just check out the photos.
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The Moustache Debate
In recent weeks a group of Moustache Afficianados were party to discussions on the direct correlation between the demise of the 'Honour of Men', the rise in feminism, and the role the moustache has played in this.
Whether the loss of the moustache has led to the shift in 'pants wearing', similar to Samson's loss of strength when his hair was cut; or whether the move away from the moustache is a by-product of a natural societal process is somewhat of a 'chicken and the egg' debate.
International Moustache Day is not about trying to rest back power, and return to a society of male domination. Any honourable moustachioed man in the 21st century would wish to approach the male-female paradox not as a superior, but as an equal. The key to International Moustache Day sits snuggly in that last sentence, like a small hairy baby suckling at the teet of a protective mother - "Honour".
Let men be men again. Not applying cream to one's face, not wearing pink shirts, and in particular not waxing or shaving their body of all semblance of manhood.
History of the Moustache
You need only briefly flick through the history books to discover what the moustache has symbolised through the ages.
Historically the moustache was worn by military men - it was a symbol of honour, and as a man progressed through the ranks, the more thick and elaborate his moustache was allowed to become.
In more recent years, such as the 1970's, a man's moustache was a direct judgement on his manhood. As the 80's progressed, the frequency of moustachification began to wane, and the tansition to equality between the sexes became evident. In some instances women would paint on a moustache in the hope it would act as a catalyst to equal rights, at the same time missing the whole point of the moustache.
In the 90's the moustache became the laughing stock of society. Due to isolated, but well publicised instances of moustache abuse, and the use of the moustache to promote a cause (such as gay rights), the true meaning of the moustache was lost in a jumble sale of tight pants and low brow 70's pop music.
International Moustache Day - What's it All About?
For one day, on the 8th of October, we will gather as one. United in moustache appreciation. Some will be lauded for their tachetacular attempts, some may be patted on the back and told 'well done son, you bring no shame to your family with that white whispy patch', whilst other's may be chastised for wanting to be part of the day but not honouring their collegues with a mo.
International Moustache Day is not a new concept. There are groups of men around the world gathering to appreciate 'The Nosebeard' -
http://shaihulud.as.arizona.edu/~jtrump/pictures/Mustaches/list.html
London-based celebrations will be held at the Shaftesbury Walkabout from 2pm. Venues in other countries will be confirmed. For those isolated from the designated venues of their moustachioed peers, feel free to forward a photograph of your moustache for admiration on the day.
Photographs will be taken, and forwarded to try and raise the profile of the moustache and educate the lay-person into what the moustache should be associated with, not how western society has now chosen to view it. There may also be a Sunday Drinking Session (note: a milk or snakie moustache will not be accepted as 'a comical attempt to join in the fun').
There is of course no proposal to exclude women from International Moustache Day. Instead they shall be welcomed with a 'jolly good show' and a firm handshake into the day's celebrations, moustachioed or not.
Moustache Tips
The moustache first becomes evident during the adolecent years, however it is widely recognised that some men do not reach that stage of life until much later than others. Therefore the below is provided to help those with less options open to them, whether it be because of sporadic hair growth or unfortunate colouration:
Dalí - narrow, long points bent or curved steeply upward; areas past the corner of the mouth must be shaved. Artificial styling aids needed. Named after Salvador Dalí who was known to sport such a style later in his life.
English - narrow, beginning at the middle of the upper lip the whiskers are very long and pulled to the side, slightly curled; the ends are pointed slightly upward; areas past the corner of the mouth usually shaved. Artificial styling may be needed.
Fu Manchu - long, downward pointing ends, generally beyond the chin
Handlebar - bushy, with small upward pointing ends. See baseball pitcher Rollie Fingers.
Imperial - whiskers growing from both the upper lip and cheeks, curled upward (distinct from the royale, or impériale)
Moustachio or mustachio - large luxuriant moustache, with hair sometimes growing down the sides of the mouth. Also known as a Nosebeard.
Pencil moustache - narrow, thin, closely clipped, outlining the upper lip, with a wide shaven gap between the nose and moustache. Also known as a Mouthbrow. See John Waters.
Toothbrush - thick, but shaved except for about an inch (2.5 cm) in the center; associated with Adolf Hitler and Charlie Chaplin
Walrus - bushy, hanging down over the lips, often entirely covering the mouth.
It is also considered wise to invest in moustache wax for formal occassions.
Growing a full beard is a good place to start as it keeps your mo-ptions open.
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