You’ve had your beard for a while now and it’s starting to get a little stale. Same old scruff day after day. Time to shake things up! Introducing the moatee – the hottest new facial hair trend that’s about to take over.
Haven’t heard of it yet? Not to worry – this guide’s got you covered with everything you need to know to rock a moatee. From styling tips to upkeep, we’ll walk through how to grow, maintain, and style this unique look. Get ready to stand out from the crowd with the moatee – your facial hair is about to go next level.
Whether you’re looking to change up your appearance or make a bold fashion statement, the moatee is your answer. This guide will take you from moatee newbie to full-on pro. So ditch the boring beard and get ready to unleash your inner moatee magnificence!
What Is a Moatee?
A moatee is a deep, wide trench surrounding a fortified structure like a castle, fortress or town. Historically used for defense, moatees were usually filled with water, creating a barrier that was difficult to cross. Some moatees were dry, their sheer depth and steep sides providing protection.
The primary purpose of a moatee was to stop attackers from reaching the base of the walls. Whether wet or dry, moatees made it almost impossible to use battering rams, siege towers, and other equipment. Attackers trying to cross a moatee were easy targets for archers and could be pelted with arrows, rocks and boiling liquids.
Some moatees were elaborate, with partial stone bases, wooden or stone lining, and defensive features like watchtowers. Moatees required constant maintenance to remain deep and clear of debris. Pumps and drains were used to manage water levels.
Over time, moatees became less useful as weapons and siege techniques improved. By the 19th century, moatees were more decorative than defensive. Today, many historic moatees still exist but are dry, serving as a visual reminder of the castle’s formidable past.
So in short, a moatee is a defensive trench, usually filled with water, that protects a fortification by creating an obstacle and buffer zone between the outer walls and the surrounding land. While once a crucial part of a castle’s defenses, moatees are now mostly scenic relics of medieval military engineering.
The History and Origin of the Moatee
The moatee has a long and fascinating history spanning the globe. Ancient Egyptians were the first to use moats to protect castles, with the most famous example surrounding the ancient city of Buhen in Lower Nubia. At a time when castle fortifications were basic, moats acted as an effective deterrent against invaders.
On the other side of the world, indigenous tribes of North America independently developed moats to protect their settlements. The Mississippian culture built moats around ceremonial centers like Cahokia in modern-day Illinois. Just like in Egypt, these moats provided defense against raids and invasions.
In Europe, moats came into prominence with the rise of the castle. As siege warfare tactics improved, moats helped strengthen castle defenses. The Normans were particularly fond of moats and built them around motte-and-bailey castles, like the one at Hastings. The word ‘moat’ even comes from the Norman ‘motte,’ meaning embankment.
Over time, moats became more elaborate with additions like drawbridges that allowed access over the moat. Some moats were left dry, while others were filled with water to make crossing even more difficult. Moats remained an important part of castle defense for centuries until the development of cannons made them largely obsolete.
Though moats are rarely used today for defense, they remain an impressive historical relic and reminder of a bygone era. Next time you visit an old castle, gaze into the moat and imagine what life was like for the people who built and defended these grand fortresses. A moat tells a story of ingenuity, conflict, and survival that is captivating even centuries later.
Different Styles of Moatees
When it comes to moatees, you have several style options to choose from. The most popular styles are:
- The Van Dyke Goatee. This disconnected style features a mustache and a beard, with the mustache separated from the beard. It’s a classic, dapper look that suits most face shapes. To get this style, shave your cheeks, neck, and sideburns, leaving hair on your chin, lips, and mustache area. Trim as needed to your desired length and shape.
- The Circle Goatee. One of the most common goatee styles, the Circle Goatee connects your mustache and beard, surrounding your mouth. It creates a circular shape and works well for rounder faces. To achieve this look, shave your cheeks, neck, and sideburns. Leave hair to grow on your chin, above and below your lips, and extending to connect with your mustache. Trim and shape as desired.
- The Landing Strip Goatee. For a narrower style, the Landing Strip Goatee features a strip of hair extending from your bottom lip down to your chin. It has a sleek, tailored appearance. To get this look, shave your cheeks, neck, sideburns, and area around your mouth, except for a strip of hair from below your bottom lip to the point of your chin. Carefully trim and shape the strip to your desired width and contour.
The great thing about moatees is you can experiment with different styles to find what you like and what suits you best. Start with one style, then try another. You can even combine elements from multiple styles to create your own unique look. The options are endless! With regular trimming and maintenance, you’ll be sporting a stylish moatee in no time.
How to Grow and Maintain a Moatee
So you’ve decided to grow a moatee. Excellent choice! The moatee, a beard style where you shave the chin and grow out hair on the sides of your mouth, is a stylish look that complements many face shapes. Here’s how to cultivate and care for your moatee:
To start, put away your razor and shaving cream and let your facial hair grow in fully for 4 to 6 weeks. This will give you enough length and thickness to shape your moatee. Once you have adequate growth, use a razor to shave the outline of your moatee, trimming it to your desired shape and size. Many opt for a rounded shape, shaving in a “U” shape around the chin. Others prefer squared edges for a boxy look. Shape your moatee based on your face shape and personal style.
After initially shaping your moatee, continue to trim it regularly to maintain its appearance. Use a beard trimmer, scissors, and a comb to trim your moatee about once a week or every other week. Trim when hairs start to look unruly, curl or stick out in odd directions. Make sure to shave the rest of your face, neck, and cheeks to keep the moatee as the focal point.
To keep your moatee looking its best, shampoo and condition it several times a week along with the rest of your facial hair. Use a moisturizing beard oil or balm, especially after shampooing, to hydrate hair and reduce flyaways. Brush your moatee with a boar bristle brush to distribute oils evenly and tame unruly hairs.
With regular trimming and hydrating, your moatee will become a stylish statement piece. Shape and trim it to complement your face and personal style. Maintaining a moatee does require frequent upkeep but the end result is a fashionable and unique beard style. Follow these tips and you’ll be sporting a moatee to be envied.
Moatee FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Do you have questions about moatee that you can’t seem to find the answers to? We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions to help you learn more.
What exactly is moatee?
Moatee refers to a traditional dish made of mashed plantains, often served as a side to meats or stews. Plantains are starchy bananas that provide a neutral base for bold flavors. Moatee is popular in West African cuisine, especially in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
How is moatee made?
To make moatee, green plantains are peeled, sliced and boiled until soft. Then, they are mashed with a wooden spoon or pestle until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining. Palm oil, chili peppers, onions and spices like ginger are commonly added for extra flavor. Moatee can also be enriched with peanut paste, leafy greens or cheese.
How is moatee eaten?
Moatee is usually eaten by hand, scooping it up with your fingers. It has a consistency similar to mashed potatoes. Moatee is often served as a side to meat- or vegetable-based main dishes in West African cuisine. It provides a starchy accompaniment to sop up sauces and complements spicy and flavorful foods well.
Can moatee be made with ripe plantains?
While green plantains are traditional for moatee, ripe yellow plantains can also work. However, they will produce a sweeter end result due to their higher sugar content. You may need to increase spices and chili peppers to balance the sweetness. Ripe plantains will also result in a smoother, less lumpy mash. Either green or ripe plantains can be used to make delicious moatee.
How can I substitute plantains if I can’t find them?
If plantains are unavailable, starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, cassava or unripe bananas can be used in place of plantains to make moatee. While the flavor and texture may be slightly different, these substitutes can work in a pinch and still produce an authentic-tasting West African side dish. Adjust spices as needed based on the vegetable used.
Conclusion
You’ve reached the end of our moatee guide and now know everything there is to know about growing and maintaining this stylish facial hair style. From the history behind it to grooming tips and styling ideas, you’re ready to rock a moatee that suits your look.
Just remember to have patience as you grow it out and keep it neatly trimmed for the best appearance. Feel free to experiment with different lengths and shapes until you find your perfect moatee. With this new knowledge in hand, you can confidently wear this cool goatee variant and show off your personal flair. Go forth and moatee on!