I do not like big beards. It is the collection of hair growing on the chin and cheeks of humans and animals.
neither do I, I prefer to just grow out a little facial hair and then shave it and repeat. 
Looking at it from the evolutionary viewpoint, the beard is part of the androgenic hair category.
Yes, in some cultures beards symbole different things. 
There are some cultures where beards are associated with poor hygiene or a savage demeanor.
I did not know that. I knew that in some religions they mean good things though. 
Yes that is true. Some religions consider a full beard essential for all males as part of their official dogma.