Redheads Research Paper

Although almost all “redheads” derive from European regions, red hair is involved in virtually almost all cultures around the globe. What is intriguing about redheads, is that each culture seems to have a different view about them. People with red hair have been adored, scorned, revered, and hated throughout all time periods. While red hair is prominent in each culture, red hair dealt mainly with religious aspects, influential figures, and folklore aspects.

Since most red heads are indigenous to Europe, many of the descriptions about them come from European sources. Sources today rank Ireland with the highest population of redheads, with 30% of their population displaying the gene (Hay 3). In the past, many sources expressed loathing and panic

Celtic tribes were noticed for their barbarity and savage ways. The Celts would infringe on Roman territory by plundering and burning farms, and then retreating. (O’Shea 115-117) Celts would often migrate after engaging in an attack or war. Celtic tribes migrated throughout Europe, as far as Spain to Turkey. Due to these migrations, red hair became a characteristic familiar with all of Europe. Apparently, a result of red hair is a longing for violence and ferocity. Germanic tribes were known for their aggressiveness and love for war. Tacitus reports that "The red hair and large limbs of the inhabitants of Caledonia point clearly to a Germanic origin," (Scott 59). Roman Emperors loved to make a mockery of their enemies. Caligula made prisoners from Gaul grow their hair long and dye it red, so that he could display them to the public on his triumph in Rome (Scott 65). Ancient Greek and Roman empires used to buy red-haired slaves for extra money, because they believed they were lucky. Aristotle directly calls people with red-hair out, by saying they have bad character and that they are “emotionally un-brokenhouse.” Red hair was not contained to

What is strange about Greek culture, is that even though the majority of Greeks scorned people with red hair, red hair was a symbol of fashion, and many women would wear red wigs. This may be attributed to the fact that many influential figures in Greek mythology were described as having shades of red hair. "The face that launched a thousand ships," Helen of Troy, has always been pictured as having flowing, red hair (Borne 10). Helen was called "the most beautiful women who ever lived," which most likely made women attracted to the color and wanted to possess it themselves. King Menelaus of Greece, Helen's husband, was also mentioned as having a red tint to his hair in the Illiad and the Odyssey. Another Greek figure who was described as having red hair was Achilles; one of the greatest warriors of Greece. Even Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love, beauty, sexuality, and fertility was said to possess the MC1R gene as well (Hay 11). Not only were there well-liked leaders in Greece who had red hair, but Egypt also had many leaders with red hair, as previously mentioned. While many Pharaoh’s had red-hair, Ramesses II is one of the most prominent, because of his military accomplishments (Borne 7). In Alexandria, Egypt, red hair was a sign of fashion, most likely because of Queen Cleopatra. Unfortunately, Cleopatra proves Aristotle right in his belief that red heads have bad character and are