Redhead Appreciation Day on September 23 reminds us of the beauty and uniqueness of red-haired people. They possess the rarest hair shade and are often associated with having a “fiery” or “hot-tempered” nature. Whether that’s true or not, we can’t deny that redheads are like rare birds of paradise, making up just four percent of the world’s population!
Nicknamed gingers, carrot-tops, flame-haired, “ranga”, “bluey,” redheads can often feel like outcasts and stand out in the crowd. So if you are a redhead, or have a redhead friend or family member, today is the day to appreciate them in all their flaming glory!
- 2000-1500 BC – The pioneers of red hair began to spread to the Balkans and central and Western Europe, which became established as the geographical and historical homeland of red-haired culture.
- 1000 BC – People known as the Thracians worshipped gods with red hair and blue eyes, which is the rarest hair and eye color combination.
- 1st Century AD – One of the most famous redheaded royal women in history is Boadicea, a queen of the British Icea tribe in the first century AD
- 1478 – The unusual hair color became a physical depiction of “otherness,” with notable artists such as Anthony van Dyke and even Shakespeare attributing redhead characteristics as untrustworthy and treacherous.
- 1858 – The most famous ginger ruler was Queen Elizabeth I, who took the throne and ruled from 1558—1603.
- 1886 – A study by Dr. Augustin Galopin observed a redhead woman gave off an earthy and sensual scent, and later it was discovered that when perfume is sprayed onto a redhead’s skin it will smell different as a result of their rare biochemistry.
- 1980 – A French study compares societal views on blonde, brunette, and red-headed women, with the results showing the redheaded woman is seen as more mean and more likely to be unfaithful than the other two.
- 2005 – Redhead Day begins in the Netherlands, a Dutch summer festival that celebrates the beauty of natural red hair.
- 2014 – A 2014 report by Upstream Analysis discovered that at one point, CBS showcased a redhead every 106 seconds. Perhaps getting so much of the same regularly means seeing something different makes redheads memorable!
- The gene mutation (MC1R) that causes red hair is on the same gene linked to pain receptors. It also means redheads usually need more anesthesia for dental and medical procedures.
- Ancient Egyptians loved red hair because red can often be seen as powerful psychologically, certain Egyptian rulers chose to rule with red henna in their hair.
- Throughout time, redheads have been portrayed as beautiful and brave or else promiscuous, wild, hot-tempered, violent, or immoral. Perhaps this sinful yet desirable historical interpretation of red-heads began with some religious descriptions. One of the better-known accounts is seen in Jewish mythology, detailing the appearance of Lilith, a comely demon who wreaked sensual havoc in the Garden of Eden. She was often depicted as a red-headed woman. Similarly, Judas, who infamously betrayed Jesus in the Bible, is often portrayed in medieval paintings as having flaming red hair and a crimson beard.
- Ed Sheeran is perhaps the most famous ginger in the world right now, who rose to fame in 2012 with the release of his single “The A Team.” Other famous redheads include Nicole Kidman, Julienne Moore, Rupert Grint, Debra Messing, and Isla Fisher. (Note: Lucille Ball was a natural brunette).
- Henry VIII, as well as Winston Churchill, the prime minister of the United Kingdom during WWII. Playwright George Bernard Shaw and American author Mark Twain, and President Thomas Jefferson were redheads.
- Ginger hair retains its natural pigment a lot longer than other shades, so there’s no need to panic about going grey. Red hair simply fades with age through a glorious spectrum of faded copper to rosy-blonde colors, then to silvery-white.
- Although only 1-2% of people worldwide have red hair, the highest concentrations of red hair occur in Scotland (12%) and Ireland (10%).
- The least common eye color for redheads is blue and the most common is brown. A blue-eyed redhead is the least common combination in the world.
- Having red hair isn’t the only thing that makes some redheads unique. They are also more likely to be left-handed. Both characteristics come from recessive genes, which like to come in pairs.
- Bees have been proven to be more attracted to redheads.
- Redheads have less hair than most other people. On average they only have 90,000 strands of hair while blonds, for example, have 140,000. However, red hair is typically thicker so it still looks just as full.
- Changes in temperature are more noticed in people with red hair
- Roughly 30% of people that dye their hair at home, choose red
- Research indicates that redheads have higher thresholds for pain and need less vitamin D than everyone else.
- Some Redheads in Song:
- Redheaded Stranger by Willie Nelson (1975). Outlaw country singer, Willie Nelson, releases this song on the album of the same title, his 18th studio album.
- Redhead Walking by R.E.M. (2008). This cover of an original song by Beat Happening, Redhead Walking was released on the album Supernatural Superserious.
- Red-Headed Wildflower by Little River Band (1978). This song was released on Little River Band’s fourth studio album, Sleeper Catcher.
- Red Headed Woman by Bruce Springsteen (1993). Sung by the Boss, Red Headed Woman was written about his wife, Patti Scialfa who has red hair.
- Some movies with redhead actors
- Leap Year starring Amy Adams (2010). This fun and quirky romantic comedy is set in the perfect place for redheads – Ireland – where Adams intends to propose to her boyfriend on February 29.
- Pride and Prejudice with Simon Wood (2005). Playing redheaded Charles Bingley, Mr. Darcy’s friend, Simon Wood stars in this film with Kiera Knightly and Rosamund Pike.
- Crazy Stupid Love starring Julianne Moore and Emma Stone (2011). This is a double whammy where redheads play a mother and daughter combo. This rom-com also features Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell.
- Little Orphan Annie starring Aileen Quinn (1982). America’s favorite little redhead, Annie belts out classic songs like Tomorrow and It’s a Hard Knock Life at only 11 years old.
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