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The Myths and History of Red Hair.
SourceThe Myths and History of Red Hair
In spite of its rarity red hair is a physical trait that appears in many places around the world. It is most prevalent in Scotland where approximately 13% of the population have red hair, followed by Ireland with 10%. Although it is most associated with Britain and Europe, it also appears sporadically throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Throughout history there have been many strange beliefs and ideas about red hair. In ancient Egypt red haired animals and people were associated with the god Set. The Egyptians also had many red haired pharaohs. However the Egyptians also regarded the colour red as unlucky and according to Claudie de Lys many red haired maidens were burnt to death to wipe out the tint. There are also stories of the Egyptians burying redheads alive! The ancient Greeks also had myths about red hair, including the belief that redheads would turn into vampires following their death. Unflatteringly the Greek philosopher Aristotle described redheads as being emotionally un-housebroken. Another mention of red hair came from the famed historian Herodotus who described a red haired and blue/grey eyed tribe in his histories called the Budini.
The Romans also had something to say about redheads. The writer Tacitus mentioned the 'red hair and large limbs' of the ancient British tribes and the historian Dio Cassius described British warrior-queen Boudicca, as being 'tall and terrifying in appearance' and as having a 'great mass of red hair.' Incidentally the ancient Romans also paid a premium for red haired slaves.
Red hair also gets a mention in the bible. The word Adam is supposedly the Hebrew word for 'red' or 'ruddy', and king David also apparently had red hair. Also Judas and Mary Magdalene are often portrayed as being redheaded. Some people even believe the 'mark of Cain' to actually be red hair.
As well as the bible there are also many myths about red hair in European history. In the Middle Ages, for example, red was seen as the colour of the Devil, and it was thought that a child born with red hair was conceived during menstruation. There have also been many kings and leaders throughout European history that have had red hair. In fact there is a British legend that states that king Arthur had red hair and that in times of trouble a red haired leader would come to lead the country. Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth I (both redheads) are said to be fulfilments of this legend. The Merovingians of ancient Gaul also had red hair, and this was thought to imbue them with magical powers.
In Eastern Europe, however, things were much worse for redheads. According to Montague Summers red hair and green eyes were said to be the sign of a witch, werewolf or vampire. There are also tales of red haired children being killed at birth due to similar thinking.
Red hair has also had an up and down relationship with art throughout the ages. Both Botticelli and Titian are noted for painting red haired women, as are the pre-raphaelite painters of the 19th Century. However red hair has often been used in art to symbolise evil and aggression. For example English author Charles Dickens would often portray the less trustworthy characters in his novels as being pale and freckly. Dickens also once famously complained about a pre-raphaelite piece of artwork, by the painter John Everett Millais, which depicted the child Jesus with red hair. He described the child in the painting as a 'wry-necked, blubbering, redheaded boy, in a bed-gown.'
This association of red hair and untrustworthiness or ugliness somehow prevails to this day. In fact the Nazis discussed whether or not two red haired persons should be allowed to wed for fear of degenerate offspring. Even in today's era red haired people are often portrayed in less than flattering ways in movies and on TV shows. However this attitude towards redheads has never stopped them from making an important contribution to the human endeavour.
Famous redheads from history include:
Malcolm X(?)
Isabella of Spain
Thomas Jefferson
Richard the Lionheart
Oliver Cromwell
Galileo
Ramesses II
Vivaldi
And Christopher Columbus
Malcolm X?
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Originally Posted by Mrs. Lyfing
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