Every year for one month, it is socially acceptable for men to grow the scruffiest and scraggliest beards, mustaches, chin straps and goatees in celebration of what is commonly known as Movember or No Shave November.

Started by a group of Australian men in 1999, the term Movember (Mustache + November) was coined for a charity event to raise awareness for prostate cancer.  Today, the Movember Foundation consists of 1.1 million registered “Mo Bros” in over 10 countries and has raised over $174 million for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, according to the foundation’s website.

The St. Edward’s University Men’s Lacrosse Club encourages players to participate in Movember as a way to show support for the cause.  

“It’s something all men have in common, and it’s an easy way to show support for a disease that affects millions,” said sophomore lacrosse player Aubrey Cherry.

According to the rules of Movember posted on the foundation’s website, participants are to follow certain rules.

“1. The mustache cannot be joined with the sideburns (no beards). 2. There is to be no joining of the handlebars (no goatees). 3. A small growth under the bottom lip is allowed (aka a tickler).”

While the millions who participate in Movember only grow mustaches to benefit men’s health issues, many other guys on college campuses participate in No Shave November, which follows only one rule: grow as much facial hair possible.  

Urbandictionary.com defines No Shave November as “the month in which you don’t shave any hair of your body, but instead you grow more bestial, brutal and Movember.”

While not everyone can grow a beard as epic as Billy Gibbons or Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, we can all enjoy the sometimes ridiculous facial hair seen during the month of November and support those from the Lacrosse team as it raises awareness for a good cause.