In 1698, Tsar Peter the Great wanted to introduce European law and order in the Russian Empire, so he signed a decree which ordered beards to be shaven across the country. Those who refused were punished with a fine. /CFP Photo

The tax was removed by Catherine the Great (reigned 1762-1796) 74 years later, on April 6, 1772. /CFP Photo

So every April 6 is now Beard Day in Russia. /CFP Photo