Upsherin
A boy's first haircut, and the start of his Jewish learning.
Upsherin, Yiddish for "shearing off," is the traditional first haircut of a Jewish boy, celebrated when he turns three years old. Until then, the hair is left to grow, and on this day it is cut for the first time, leaving the peyot, the sidelocks, in place.
It marks a new stage of childhood: a little boy begins to wear a kippah and tzitzit, and his formal Jewish education begins. Family and friends gather to take part, each snipping a lock of hair, and the day is filled with blessings, song and sweets.
Customs of the Day
Celebrated when a boy turns three
Family and friends each take part in cutting a lock of hair
The peyot are left in place
The child begins wearing a kippah and tzitzit
The Hebrew alphabet is introduced, often with a taste of honey so that learning Torah is sweet
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