Non Jewish Minhag

הלכה ולא למעשה                                          

NOT SHAVING DURING SEFIRA - NON JEWISH MINHAG

The Mekubal & Doctor, Harav Moshe Dovid Valla (Talmid of the Ramchal)

claims that not shaving or trimming the beard during Aveilus, and Sefira 

is a Non Jewish Minhag.

"Only by the Goyim, since they all shave during the year, so by refraining 

from shaving shows Aveilus.

For Yidden, since they have been growing beards during the year, therefore,

letting it grow during Sefira is not a form of Aveilus. Chazal didn't have

beards in mind when they said not to cut the hair during that period.

However, since the masses don't shave their beards during the

Sefirah, we should condone it and come up with the reason it's

done to be ממתיק הדינים (sweeten & lighten the harsh judgments) 

of the long hair*."

The Shu"t Chasam Sofer (Y.D.348) too, claims the Poskim's intention was

only for the hair of the head and not the beard.

* Kabbalistic