Upsherin

Another brief lunchtime post. What is it about long hair and boys that folks don't like? I haven't met many yet who haven't commented on Peanut's hair. I know most boys his age don't have long hair, but who cares, really?

Upsherin is the Jewish tradition of not cutting a boy’s hair until his third birthday. The custom is related to a law called Orlah, stating that one cannot pick fruits from a tree in its first three years. A child, like a tree, will eventually grow strong and bear “fruit.” Perhaps a child, like a tree, also needs some stability in preparation for life; waiting for a haircut allows the child to collect resources in advance of future challenges.

When you come to the Land and you plant any food tree, you shall surely block its fruit [from use]; it shall be blocked from you for three years, not to be eaten. And in the fourth year, all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord. And in the fifth year, you may eat its fruit. Leviticus 19:23-25

I'm not Jewish and neither is my husband, and I don't think I would take it as far as waiting 5 years. In fact we were going to get his hair trimmed this weekend, just enough so he can see easily. But I absolutely love his long locks and I don't think they will be gone anytime soon! If you agree or disagree, I'd love to hear from you!

oliver-longhair