Origins
What stands out in my initial research is the symbolism of moustaches in religion/cultures; in general, they seem to possess a symbolic nature of presenting masculinity and power. This even moves into their history during the 19th century British military, as it was made an actual requirement in the kings regulations that the ‘the chin and under the lip will be shaved, but not the upper lip'. This regulation existed from 1860 up until 1916, when it was abolished, and it was made aware that moustaches prevented gas masks from working during WW2. In fact, this association with moustaches and the military is the reason why the Amish are not allowed to grow them in their religion, as they are a pacifist group.
Moustache styles
It's widely recognised that there is an array of moustache styles from many different cultures, coming from famous figures such as Salvador Dali. Certain moustache styles have been tainted/ gained a bad reputation due to their wearers, such as Hitlers' moustache during WW2.
The Victorian Era
At the start of the Victorian Era, facial hair was regarded to be 'viewed with distaste', and was known as the mark of an artist or a revolutionary, which were on the fringe of society at the time. Between 1841-47, apparently only one member of parliament wore a moustache.
However, by the 1860's, this conception changed and facial hair grew in popularity, with it being considered 'manly'. This is where the birth of the military moustache came from, as it was believed that they represented a strong army.
Religion
Moustaches in Art
In 1954, Salvador Dali published a book dedicated to his moustache.
Marcel Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q - 1919. A parody of the Mona Lisa with a moustache which adds a moustache.
Frida Kahlo used her moustache as an icon in her work, and often accentuated her monobrow and moustache in her self portraits.
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