What is an Alkar without a moustache? – A handsome man?
One of the most famous litarary works that tells the story of Alka and the Cetina region is Alkar, written by Dinko Šimunović, is full of magnificent descriptions and depictions of life and people in Sinj and surrounding villages.
The plot is, of course, romantic. A handsome young man Rašica falls in love with a beautiful young girl. And everybody is happy until she meets his father – a tall, strong, bewidowed man. This is where the plot takes a weird twist. The father and the girl cannot help falling in love with each other. He – because she reminds him of his first love (actually her mother that was badly injured in a fire and this was the reason that his parents broke off the engagements). She – because he is such a strong, mature man with a big mustache, whereas Rašica has none.
This is the part that most shocked my young-self, as I read the book. Hats off to 300 years old traditions but such facial hair is the least appealing to most women! My personal favourite is a smooth freshly shaved face, followed by a nicely maintained beard – if you are going to grow facial hair grow them all! A moustache is so out of vouge, makes me wonder what the person has to hide and what he ate just now.
I understand that in cold climates a beard keeps a face warm, in warm prevents dirt entering the respiratory system, that it makes a man’s jaw seem more prominent, I also understand that it’s a time-consuming, neverending action and that it’s cheaper not having to shave every day. Nevertheless, Alkar spearsmen, squires and all others are much handsomer when they reveal their real faces.
So, I hope this Facebook group of growing moustaches for the 300th Alka and the trend itself among Alkar spearsmen and squires is something that will be a one time deal. I much prefer the women’s version of braiding their hair for the 300th alka!
