Ashton Kutcher’s scruffy new look has raised a few eyebrows, but it turns out the actor is sporting facial hair for religious reasons.

“Unlike what people think, Ashton is not growing a beard for a role,” an insider tells In Touch. “He is growing it because of the Jewish and Kabbalah holiday called Lag Ba’Omer. There is actually meaning behind it.”

The holiday, which fell on May 23, represents a break during the 49 days of mourning between Passover and Shavuot, and is celebrated with bonfires to mark the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Traditionally, men shave their beards on the festive day, but it looks like Ashton decided to keep his!

Ashton, who had a bit of scruff in April, showed off a beard at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball with wife, Demi Moore, on May 31 in LA.

Source, Splash