Redheads: Myths, Legends, and Famous Red Hair
94
Where Are All the Redheads?
Throughout history, redheads have been feared and revered, loathed and adored, degraded and exalted. No other single human trait has provoked such a dichotomy of emotions in such a large number of fellow humans. It is as boiling is to freezing or despair is to hope. It is as hate is to love.
There are degrees of reddishness when referring to hair, including ginger, auburn (reddish brown), and strawberry blonde. Red hair is found most commonly at the western fringes of Europe. Leading the pack, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England have the most redheads. Scotland has the highest proportion with 13% having red hair and approximately 40% possessing the recessive redhead gene. Ireland is second highest with approximately 10% having it and 40% carrying the gene.
The U.S. can boast (or not) anywhere from two to six percent of the population having red tresses. A seemingly paltry figure, but with a massive population, this gives the good ol' USA the largest number of redheads in the world with 6 to 18 million. Compare that to 650,000 in Scotland and 420,000 in Ireland. Who's paltry now? Read it and weep you redhead haters.
Fear and Loathing
Historically, prejudice and suspicion has always greeted the redhead, along with the belief that they were fiery and hot-tempered. This image - wrong or not - most likely stems from the fact that the Scots, with their high percentage of red haired people, are descended from the Celts, notoriously violent warriers. It is this perception that spawned many strange and fantastical beliefs and ideas about red hair.
The myths do seem to permeate all cultures. The ancient Egyptians couldn't make up their minds, typical of the super superstitious Egyptians of the time. They covered all their bases with a god for every purpose and situation. Sort of a god grab-bag. On the one hand, they believed that red haired animals and people were associated with the god 'Set', and many of their pharaohs had red hair. That included Ramses who was the most powerful baddest dude of all the pharaohs. Conversely, they also regarded the color red as unlucky and many red haired maidens were burnt to death to wipe out the tint. Talk about a makeover. Stories still persist that redheads were buried alive.
It's All Greek To Me
The Greeks, not to be outdone (the Greeks were never to be outdone as they were sore losers and it really got their sacrificial goat), believed that redheads would turn into vampires following their death. Aristotle - philosopher, student of Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great, and all-around smart guy and occasional ass - described redheads as being emotionally un-housebroken. I don't know what that means but whadda ya say you and I step outside, Tots?
Roman historian Deo Cassius described British Warrior Queen Boudicca (or Boudicca the bodacious) as " tall and terrifying in appearance [with] a great mass of red hair." Incidentally the ancient Romans also paid a premium for red haired slaves.
During the Spanish Inquisition (one of the fairest and justified of all inquisitions) flame colored hair was evidence that it's owner had stolen the fire of hell and had to be burned as a witch. Apparently, stealing the fire of hell is a crime and crime doesn't pay. In Corsica, if you pass a redhead in the street you are supposed to spit and turn around. It is unclear if that is supposed to bring good luck or because redheads leave a bad taste in your mouth. During the Middle Ages, red was seen as the color of the Devil, and it was thought that a child born with red hair was conceived during "that time of the month". Is that a little too much menstruation information?
Don't Adjust the Color on Your Set
Russian tradition declares that red hair is both a sign of a fiery temper and craziness, and a proverb warns, "There was never a saint with red hair. Indeed, red hair figures in the bible, The word Adam is supposedly the Hebrew word for 'red' or 'ruddy', and Judas - poster boy tor tratorious - is often portrayed with red hair as is Mary Magdalene. King David is thought to have been a redhead, and some even believe the 'mark of cain' to actually be red hair.
The association of red hair and untrustworthiness and ugliness somehow prevails in the modern age. The Nazi's discussed whether red haired people should be allowed to wed, fearing their degenerate offspring. Red hair is often portrayed in less than flattering ways in films and on TV. An Irish judge in 2001 fined a man for disorderly conduct stating "I am a firm believer that hair coloring has an effect on temper and your coloring suggests you have a temper." Thomas Wolfe was right: you can't go home again. At least not if you're from Ireland and have red hair.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
In modern-day United Kingdom, the terms "ginger" or "ginga" are used to derogatorily describe red-headed people, despite having one of the highest populations of redheads, or perhaps because of it. This has given rise to terms such as "gingerphobia (fear of redheads) or "gingerism" (prejudiced against). Redheads are sometimes disparaged with the monikers "carrot tops" and "carrot heads". Red haired children have been branded as offspring of "unclean" sex (uh oh, we're back to the menstrual thing) which has gotten them taunts like "red-knob" or "tampon tops". This intolerant attitude has led to a rise in harassment that has caused families to relocate, and has even led to murder. A 23 year old redhead was stabbed in the back. Why? "For being ginger", replied the miscreant that committed the foul deed.
There are some documented medical differences. We'll skip the fair skin sensitivity to the sun melanoma stuff, but did you know that human adults have about 120.000 hairs on their heads? Really. I counted my head. The bad news is redheads have fewer, blondes have more, and brunettes have the most. Researchers at the University of Louisville discovered that, on average, people born with red hair require about 20 percent more anesthesia to obtain satisfactory sedation. University indeed. Anyone who's ever tried to seduce a redhead knows that.
It's not all bad though. British legend states that King Arthur had red hair, and that a red haired leader would come to lead the country in times of trouble. Enter Elizabeth I and Churchill, who were thought to be answers to this legend. The Merovians of ancient Gaul were red headed and this was believed to give them magical powers.
Red On the Head, Fire In the Bed
Red hair was thought to be a mark of a beastly sexual desire and moral degeneration. See? I told you it's not all bad. It is a common belief that redheads are highly sexed. Jonathon Swift satirized this redhead stereotype in Gulliver's Travels, part 4, A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms, when he wrote: "It is observed that the red-haired of both sexes are more libidinous and mischievous than the rest, whom yet they much exceed in strength and activity." As Austin Powers might observe, Oh, yeah, baby!
So do not despair you red heads so fair. Brunettes may be smarter, blondes may have more fun, but none are wrapped so tightly in mystery and intrigue. Like a gift to be opened on a special day. That is what fascinates us about you, and that's no myth.
Redhead Quotes and the Gallery of Red Hair
"Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead." - Lucille Ball
"If you want trouble... find yourself a redhead." - Unknown
"You'd find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair," said Anne reproachfully. "People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."- Anne to Marilla in Anne of Green Gables
"Blondes are noticed but redheads are never forgotten." - Unknown
"Please just call me red-headed and forgive me." - Anne to Gilbert in Anne's House of Dreams
"Nobody who has known a redhead can say that redheads are tame. Even shy redheads have a burning spark of adventure inside them. Opinionated, hotheaded, logical, loyal, friendly, reserved, whatever the redheads' personality, you can bet they'll have SCADS of it!" - Review of The Redhead Encyclopedia
"I do believe my redheadedness plays a huge part in who I am. If I were a blonde or brunette, I would be an entirely different person." - Unknown
"We redheads are a minority, we tend to notice each other - you know, and notice our identity." - Juliann Moore, actress
"All throughout history, from Reuben to Robbins, redheads have been recognized as a rare breed. Blondes may have more fun, brunettes may be brainier, but when it comes down to raw energy, creativity, and personality ... you just can't beat a redhead well, you can, but beware ... she'll probably beat you back!" - Redheads Unlimited
"While the rest of the species is descended from apes, redheads are descended from cats." - Mark Twain
"It's not the hair that turns men on, it's the spirit that redheads exude." - Unknown
"When a fellow has a home and a dear, little, red-haired wife in it what more need he ask of life?" - Gilbert in Anne's House of Dreams
"Gentlemen may prefer blondes, but it takes a real man to handle a redhead." - Unknown
Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And eat men like air.
-Sylvia Plath
"I used to hate my red hair, but now I love the attention I get with it. I think that very smart, daring men love red hair, and I love that in a man." - Unknown
"The attraction to redheads is a lot like being addicted to drugs." - Unknown
"I am always asked where I got my bright auburn-red hair from, seeing as both my parents have a very dark almost black hair. My father, being 60 when I was born, always answered, "rust in the pipes." - Unknown
Blondes are wild, brunettes are true,
but you never know just what a redhead will do! - Unknown
'According to the wire, you are resting well and are being taken care of by a nurse. I hope she is beautiful and that she has red hair. I don't know why, but whenever I dream of a nurse she always has red hair. Red hair makes a man want to recover his health quickly, so that he can get on his feet and get the nurse off hers.' - Groucho Marx, in a letter to his son
"It was dreadful. They tried to put the little redhead in a cage" - . Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York
There once was a girl
with a Strawberry curl
Right in the middle of her forehead
And when she was good
she was very, very good
-but when she was bad she was horrid. - Unknown
"My husband said he wanted to have a relationship with a redhead...so I died my hair." - Jane Fonda
"Ruadh gu brath!" - Scots Gaelic for "Red heads forever!"
Life as a Redhead by Ardie
You've gotta read this. Life as a Redhead is a wonderful article by Ardie, detailing a young girls' struggle with childhood as a redhead, enduring the stereotypes, myths, and the feeling of being ostracised by the world. You won't believe the innappriate remarks made to this young girl or the bizarre reactions and treatment of her. Follow her as she grows into a confident, proud, and, in my opinion, a gorgeous adult with three lovely daughters. This is a must read!
Life as a Redhead by Ardie
Memoir of a Redhead by Anna Marie Bowman
- The Curse of Being a Redhead
First of all, I have always hated that term...ginger. It never sat well with me, and really don't like being called a ginger. For those of you who don't know, a ginger is someone with a lighter shade of red...
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Comments
Hi Shawna. Thanks for stopping by and your comments. Cheers!
Christoph great hub. I too am partial to redheads but they done me no good. I had a redhaired girlfriend in my youth and my ex of 34 years was a redhead. She left me. So no further comment.
What a great hub! I really enjoyed this, and the photos and illustrations are great! Thank you for another entertaining piece. I had red hair, which has now gone gray-white. I'm thinking of coloring it again since I may need to go on some job interviews and I think it helps if I don't look like I'm 100. Maybe I'd better stick to something brownish!
This is the perfect Hub...entertaining, informative, and colorful in both language and images.
I didn't know about the need redheads may have for additional anesthesia, and now I have a new insight into what my auburn-haired daughter had told me for years about a surgery she had when she was a child. She said she remembers awakening during the procedure and being terrified.
Thanks for creating this wonderful piece on the legends and truths about red hair.
What a fun hub! I read it with particular enjoyment as a sort of semi-redhead. My hair is technically brown, but it has such strong (natural) red highlights that it looks true red in many lights, and a lot of people mistake me for a redhead. Must be all that Scotch-Irish blood. :)
I was born an auburn. I've never had a general anasthesia in my life, in fact I'm phobic about it but it takes nearly twice the dose for the dentist to numb me. I didn't realize it was cuz of my hair color. This is a great hub!
sixtyorso: Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you saw both sides of the "redhead" coin. My personal experience with redheads is limited, but memorable. So, in case my better half is reading this, I, too, have no further comment. Thanks again.
Pgrundy: Hi! Thanks for writing. Don't get me started on the dreaded gray hair subject. Mine started in my 20's and I know the specific event that got the ball rolling. I never went for a men's hair dye product in spite of many people telling me to, figuring I wasn't that vain, but if I were on the market today? Who knows! Hello, Grecian Formula! Thank you for your kind comments. You always take the time to leave a word or two (or 200) and I appreciate that!
Sally's Trove: It is a pleasure to see you here and, as always, your comment is most welcome. As always, your words are kind, thoughtful, and personable and welcoming you to my hub seems like welcoming an old friend to my hearth. Thanks!
kerryg: With all that Scotch/Irish blood, you are entitled by your heritage to call yourself a redhead! Thank you for reading and writing! Stop by anytime!
hot dorkage. I would say the dentist definitely qualifies. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your comment. Ciao!
My Step Dad was originally a red head, although now fairly bald on top. My Mum swears he is far to virulent for a man in his 70's and she can't keep up with his libido. I suspect now it is something to do with his hair colour.
What an absolute and total joy to read. I found myself alternating between, "Oh really? I had no idea," and "OMFG" as I genuinely laughed outloud. I stopped at least three times to turn and holler a great line at my wife, my personal favorite being:
Red hair was thought to be a mark of a beastly sexual desire and moral degeneration. See? I told you it's not all bad.
That's just flat funny as hell given the placement and timing etc. Congrats on another remarkable hub. Absolutely fantastic. (You know, I read somewhere that the red-hair gene will be gone in 2070. I sure hope that's not true.)
Great hub. Damn. I have always LOVED redheads but I never knew about the medical stuff.
Shadesbreath - Guess how many men will be chasing redheads as the gene becomes buried! The few left will be mobbed - seen as having magical sexual powers, or just plain magic. They'll be made into goddesses and take over countries, or be chased with tourches like Frankenstein.
Fun Hub, Christoph!
Mistyhorizon: Do my eyes decieve me or aren't you a redhead? Heaven knows, your personality sure fits, what with all your back and forth regarding particular battery powered products, not to mention your sharp tongue, woman! But reallly, great to see you here and I'm glad you had a read and left a word. Thanks!
Shadesbreath: Again, thanks for your comments and undeserved praise, which comes from someone whose writing I admire. Thanks!. I also came across this claim about the red haired gene, but it was being dismissed as a crock so I didn't pay much attention. (Patty Inglish MS is here so I must choose my words carefully, talking about science, as it were.) Perhaps I should research this further and include something about it. Part of my immediate dismissal, I guess, is that it WOULD be such a shame, and so to me is unthinkable. Or, call it my recessive Scotch/Irish gene for the detection of Blarney! I think I'll look into it. I hate having something that seems incomplete, so thanks A LOT!!! But seriously, folks, thanks!
D.J. Funktual: Thanks for stopping by, Dude! I have read many of you "funkalicious" hubs so it's nice to see you hangin' at my pad! Thanks!
Why...it's Patti Inglish MS! I didn't know you were here! Welcome. I think your right, if it's true. But there won't be one or the other reaction. People, powerful people, will take sides. There will be war, destruction and pestilence! (Not to mention, breeding programs! Damn! I didn't get no recessive gene!) Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it.
Patty, I bet there will be a ton. Red-heads are just flat hawt as hell. I catch a lot of crap for holding Marcia Cross aloft as one of the hawtest celebrities out there. Eye of the beholder and all that rot, I guess, but she's friggin' yummy.
As for the genetic thing... it may be rubbish, Christoph, I hope it is, but given the globalization thing and the propensity of black hair/brown eye'd dominant genes out there, I think it's entirely possible. I think any real debate will be about the year, not the likelihood. Red hair, blonde hair, blue eyes... I believe that was the vanishing order in the thing I read, taking place over a few centuries.
My wife is a redhead. And I enjoy her :)
So do.... uh, man, if I knew you better I could have owned you right there. If you'd said that at a bar, I would have anyway. (Sorry, couldn't help it. Don't hate the fool.)
I think Marcia Cross and Juilane Moore are very attractive.
Oh, btw - in my family everyone on both sides had black hair except me, kinda auburn. Definitely recessive. If different ethnicities continue intermarriage, could the red gene be buried deeper each decade? - I don't know. I think it would show itself here and there and surprise people anyway, because there is even an African nation with some red hair (not the malnutrition kind). Fun to think about, though.
I am as red as it comes, mostly irish with some scottish and german (all carrying the recessive gene in considerable abundance). I laughed out loud the entire article and it does make a lot of sense. I also woke out of anesthesia uncontrollably twice in my life, both were the only times I had been on the drugs, ever.
And about leading the country in times of trouble...guess it's my turn...lol.
LOL Shadesbreath, no sweat, I don't mind as long as she enjoys it, too :)
Yea, Shadesbreath, me too. I'm going to add some more pictures, I think. Now that I think about it, what I read might have said something along the lines of "it will be a really long time" before that happens. I wonder if there's a trend showingor if it's just scientific hypothesis. Only her hairdresser knows for sure.
Oh, yeah Misha, I remember that night, Shadesbreath and I were just hangin' when....oh, nevermind.
Dr. Patti: You are right. Red hair shows up sporadically in Africa (Malcom X was red haired), Asia, and the Middle East. One might suppose that with all the genetic stuff going on, they could isolate the redhead gene and propigate it if they wanted too. How far away could that be? But this raises another interesting delimma: If science can "make" redheads, then the rarity is diminshed. Catch my upcoming lecture: Redheads: Hunka, Hunka Burnin' Love? or Are the Scientists Screwing Us!
t.keeley. Thanks for coming by and the kind words. It's appreciated. As for leading the country, I was hoping for someone more....curvy? Thanks!
So you're a Palin supporter? lol...there's a lot of talk about her curves on here :D
Not a redhead I'm afraid, simply a blondeish colour with the mentality of a red head I suspect!
Now hold your horses Mr. t.keely. I said no such thing. I meant like, when we need a Queen and she ain't it. As for you, you'll be needed in the breeding program.
Hi Misty. No problem. You are a gem anyway!
So I'm the stud? lol
I am a member of an online group supporting red-headed civil rights, because the stats are showing we're going extinct. I for one am not a fan of monarchy because they usually abuse power, but if she's just a really young and hot version of Her Majesty of England, I can deal with that much!
What a fun hub! I really enjoyed your information, your sense of humor and the inclusion of those really great quotes. My favorite is the one attributed to Mark Twain about redheads descending from cats. LOL!
Thanks Christoph for a lovely compliment :)
Hi Spryte: Thanks for winging by! I'm glad you really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed your comments about how you enjoyed it. But enough about me. How do YOU feel about me? (har).
The Twain quote wasn't my favorite, I think because I don't like my cat. But then I thought, 'He's not talking about house cats. He's talking about Jungle cats', and them I like! I like the Groucho quote - only because I like Grouco quotes - and try to use them whenever possible. Which reminds me of one: Groucho was leaving a party, and he said to the hostess, "I had a wonderful dinner....this wasn't it."
Thanks for the kind words!
Mistyhorizon: A lovely compliment for a lovely lady! With hublove, Christoph. (My wife tells me I'm good. Well, I'm Irish!)
t.keeley: If you had some spare time and wanted to do a brief hub on the dissappearing redhead gene, I would link to it. Think about it.
As a redhead, I absolutely LOVED this!!!! Save the Gene!! Long live the redheads!!!
Ahhh of course, the Irish Charm (smiles)
I will need to do some more research, but I don't think it will be too tough. I'll let you know when I get it done :)
BTW, my wife wants to mention she loves redheads too...lol.
Anna Marie Bowman: I haven't seen you around and it's really nice to hear from you. Thanks for the compliment. I'll have to have a look at your hubs to see what I've been missing.
Misty: I want to clarify: Just because we enjoy a gift of the gab and a turn of the phrase, doesn't mean that we don't feel it. Ya know?
t.keeley: I think that would be great. Do let me know. Obviously, people are interested and you already know something about it. Tell your wife I said Hi.
Hey Christoph, I am sure you do, never doubted it. Very sexy accent the Irish have too by the way, :)
Yes, they do. I wish I had one. I can fake it pretty good (that's what she said!)
I never had the opportunity of meeting a red head before but mmm they sure sounds good. he-he. OK OK 2 hubs about hair and both greatly entertaining. wish my hub about hair was half as good as this :=/ I enjoyed myself thoroughly sir. looking forward to reading more of your wonderful hubs soon. thumbs up.
Hey ashwin, thanks for checking this out and leaving the comment. Never even met a redhead? Wow! How's the golf game coming along? Thanks!
Awesome Hub, Christoph, although I still think that blondes to it better. :)
My favorite Bugs Bunny episodes were the ones where he dressed up as a red headed bombshell. That's like crack to a Jackalope!
Ryan: Thanks for the comment! Not being a redhead myself, I have no opinion in the redhead vs. blonde debate. I have always gone with brunettes and raven-haired. Thanks!
Yes, B.T. Thats a good Bugs episode. I always likened myself to Pepe LePew. I don't know why. Maybe because I was always trying to kiss on the girls, and they always reacted like that cat that he confused for a skunk.
Thanks for the comment!
"Redheads: Hunka, Hunka Burnin' Love? or Are the Scientists Screwing Us!" -- I shall take copious notes and translate into three semi-languages... I'm not a Dr., I just play one in absurdist literature.
"My favorite Bugs Bunny episodes were the ones where he dressed up as a red headed bombshell. That's like crack to a Jackalope!" -- That is also my favorite one. I am not a Jackalope, I repeat, I am not a Jackalope. I also like Pepe LePew episodes. I am also not a cat dressed as a skunk. [scream = /on] Get away from me, Skunk! [scream = /off]
pattY
Actually the naming of REDhead is DECEIVING, "Marketing 101!" Red hair is not red at all, instead its a burnt orange, auburn or ocher. RED conotates SEX, hot blooded and steamy seduction! So the WORDS help make the phycology, the words "auburn" or the others are....boring, but RED works every time. SEX SELLS!
Patti: No need for notes. Thanks to my dynamic presence and superior oratory skills, each and every word will live on in your mind like a finely-cut diamond, it's multi-faceted brilliance shining like a beacon of hope.
"I am also not a cat dressed as a skunk." Yes, about that....it was an HONEST MISTAKE! I apologise and won't let it happen again.
Pauliewalnuts: I see your point and am feeling your pain. The question is, how long has the term "redhead" been in use? And was it used to sell worship or fear? I doubt the ancient Egyption gals - whilst being dragged to burning pyre - were screaming, "Wait! Wait! My hair is BURNT AUBURN!" Well, not YET, anyway.
Thanks for the comment!
Must - find - cart - big - enough - for - diamonds.
You can borrow my John Deere bucket loader, Patti. I am nothing if not a gentleman, and humble too!
You know, I found a few things that didn't entirely seem in-place for me.
I'm not a natural red-head. I dyed my hair red a little over a month ago as my personal little show of independence (yay for turning the magical age of 18, right?). The fun part was, I didn't tell my mother I was doing it. So when she saw me, the first thing she said was "Why didn't you tell me you were going to dye your hair red? Our hair sucks up red like it's been in the desert for 50 years and just found a pool of water."
Anywho, I had somewhat of something to say.
I was born a superbrightlight blonde. Like, my hair was almost white. Before I dyed it, it'd turned a caramel blonde/brunette color. But it always had red strands in it that I'd sometimes find in my hairbrush. And I always thought it was interesting that when I'd go swimming in a big pool with lights, my hair turned bright red in their light. Sticking to the blonde/brunette thing, I've always had a problem with anesthetics. This leads me to believe that research bit might not have been as accurate as it could be.
Either way, this article made me LAWL just a little too much for 1:59 in the morning. :-P It was an amusing read, and the quotes made me giggle. ^_^
Kika Rose: I'm glad you enjoyed the article (I think) and took the time to write. I find it interesting that you take it as a scientific article, instead of just humorous observations culled from actual facts.
I take it you think the research was flawed regarding Redheads needing more anesthesia. Are you saying this isn't true, or are you saying that because you need more anesthesia, then it is not a unique condition that applies to redheads, but rather to everyone? I say, everyone has different tolerance levels and perhaps you are unique (and you are in many ways) and require more also, but it still applies on a larger - too much to be coincidental - scale to redheads. You did say there was red showing up in your hair, and that it looked red under certain conditions. Maybe you are a little bit strawberry blonde, but it is so subtle no one noticed, or thought that you might have just a bit of the recessive redhead gene.
But I am nothing if not thorough. I'll get my crack research staff working on this in my basement tomorrow. Or, you could take it up with the University of Louisville yourself. Or you could read about the study at the UOL at medscape.com. Even when I write a silly article, I do a lot research and keep copious notes. Here is the link:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487261
Now, I have an issue: You use the shortcut LAWL. This can mean Laughing A Whole Lot, or can be used sarcastically to mean Laughiing at Weird Loser. I certainly hope you meant the former.
Really, though, I haven't seen you here before and it's nice to have you visit. Glad you were amused and had a giggle or two.
BTW for the girls David Caruso Miami Vice. The girls go crazy about him! One of few,if any male redheads in the movie business (Red Buttons?).
hey sixty. Thanks for dropping by.
Lawl is basically the phonetic term for LOL. It's kind of a joke at a joke. And I did find the article very amusing and figured it was more for laughs than for actual science. It was just the few things that made me go "Hmm."
I just signed up last night, so I'm extremely new. :-D Yay! I'm trying to work on my first article and hope to post it up soon, though life has this nasty little habit of getting in the way... :-P Maybe when I finish you can come and check it out, give me a few tips and such. ^_^ Sorry if you thought I was criticizing your article. Sometimes I come off as a jerk when I'm really trying to be nice. ^_^;
Kika, I wasn't pissed, but a little tired and it had been a screwy day. I'll be happy to read your stuff, just let me know. I don't give advice though. Not because I'm a jerk, but because it doesn't seem like it's my place to do it, even if asked. I'll give positive reinforcement however, lots of it. You didn't come off as a jerk. In fact, I was thinking I was a jerk as I wrote my response. I was trying to be funny/irritated. Curmudgeonly.
Glad you are here at hubpages and congratulations on your 18th birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you. Peace and love, baby!
*holds up the peace sign* Amen to peace and love.
I just published my first thingamajiggerwhat'sitcalled. Hub thing. Yeah. That thing. (cut me some slack, I have blonde roots. :-P)
My birthday was in January, but thanks for the congratulations anyway. xD It didn't turn out like I'd planned, but it was alright all the same. I was sent home from school for getting sick, so my mom took me out to Applebee's for lunch. ^_^
I'll have to check out your other page things later. Right now, I have to get ready for work. Ciao, man!
I'll definitely check it out.
I always like it when I meet a natural red head and they have blue or green eyes, such a beautiful look.
Hi research analyst. I like that look too. Thanks for posting the link to all the hair hubs.
As a redhead I thoughly enjoyed your article. When I was young I hated having red hair (not really red...more like a copper penny). I was often called carrot top, (lets not forget the freckles that usually accompany red hair) and freckle face. I thought I was ugly. But my hair always attracted a great deal of attention and everyone asked me if it was natural. I never understood why.
Time and boys took care of my ugly duckling complex. I learned to ignore the constant turning of heads in my direction. and now that the copper finish is darkening with age and a sprinkiling of gray has begun to appear, I realize that I really enjoyed being a redhead...it perfectly matched my personality.
Ana: Your story reminds me of a cousin of mine. She is about 10 years younger than I, with alabaster skin and red hair and really gorgeous. I don't see my relatives very often. At the time I am thinking of she was a Sr. in High School, I asked her if she had a boyfriend. She said she didn't, and I could tell that this was something serious to her young mind. She said the boys didn't like her and thought she was ugly. I was somewhat stunned. While my family is very Irish, there is very little red hair. In fact, just her and her brother I think. Anyway, to me, she was one of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen. I told her not to worry, that boy's were stupid at that age and just wait till next year when she went to college. Sure enough, she became very popular and married one of the most eligible wealthy bachelors in Memphis. As you say, time took care of it.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
Lucille Ball is the ultimate redhead, incredibly timeless. I love the story you tell about your cousin.. boys are stupid at that age, and your words I'm sure she still remembers. Great Hub, it made me smile :)
Hi Summer! Nice to see you here and I'm glad I could put a smile on your face. Thanks for the comment!
Cool hub, and really nice pictures too!
It is very unfortunate how some people treat red heads here in the UK; it is a real prejudice, I don't know why - jealousy probably! I think that it's such a beautiful hair colour. I've had one failed attempt at dying my hair red, lol! And if I decide again to try changing the colour of my hair, red will once more be my first choice.
Moon Daisy: Thanks so muich for stopping by and having a read. Glad you took the time to visit! I don't know if I'd change my hair to red in the UK though. People will be calling you "Ginger". There is no such prejudice in the US - at least not that I know of. Thanks for the comment!
It's a good point, I guess I'd have to decide if it was worth the risk. LUckily the people that I know hold no such prejudices, (although I know a couple of girls who used to do some 'ginger baiting' behind the redheads' backs. Nasty, schoolgirl stuff).
I'm glad there's no such prejudice in the US. I've heard before that red hair is admired there. And quite rightly!
You could give it a go and see what happens. It's true about the US. I'm not sure why. Maybe because we have such a large and influential Irish population, and don't have Englands history with Ireland. I don't know. It's a thought. Thanks for the comment. I'll have to go see what you've been up to!
Thanks for a fun article. I'm one of those dastardly fake redheads. In my own defense, though, very, very few people can tell (including hairdressers). I have that German-British fair skin, bright blue eyes and burn as much or more than a natural redhead (I have no freckles, which on some redheads makes them look tan later in the summer). I have been coloring my hair since about the second week of my freshman year of college and will never go back. But there are lots of fake redheads out there - Lucille Ball herself was one. Gillian Anderson of the X-Files is another.
Amy: Hi! Nice of you to stop in and leave a comment. From your description, I think red hair sounds lovely for you and I bet you look like a natural! There's' lots of all the fake hair colors out there, so why not red? I new Lucille wasn't natural (she made enough jokes about it) but I didn't know Gillian Anderson wasn't. Good to see a new person here! Come back some more. I always appreciate a chat!
Haha, cornwall isn't in the far north of engliand, it's the southernmost county. Although england's not exactly massive anyway! There are far fewer redheads in england than scotland and ireland - expecially southern england. Cornish art etc feature quite a few redheads because it's maintained more of it's celtish heritage than most places in england, but these days it's got a very small population of red heads.
i think most of the prejudice a lot of english people have against redheads stems from the history of war between the celts and the nordic settlers in england, which is also why there are more blondes in england than the rest of the country. It's silly to think that modern attitudes are so influenced by ancient grudges, but i suppose that's how stereotypes develop.
rowan: Thanks for the correction re. Cornwall and England. I believe you are correct in the reason the prejudice exists today, and the Celts were particlarly violent.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Fun Hub.. I am a natural readhead BTW. Fun pics.
Reynolds Writing: Thanks! You're a natural redhead? It looked sort of like...a cartoon. Oh, that's not your real picture. It is always a pleasure to meet a redhead! How do you do?
Mark Twain had another great anecdote about redheads. It was a "news article" about this red head who bashed the brains in of any fool who so dared to mention her red hair. One day, this guy says, "Miss, I rather like this Skeneateles hair of yours." When she finally got too curious to ask, "What in God's name is Skeneateles hair?" He said "It's about forty miles beyond Auburn, you know" and was soon after hospitalized. And redheads.....it's definitely like being addicted to drugs.
KDorfman: I love that story and haven't heard it until now, so thank you for sharing it! I am a big Twain fan and if I ever write that Emporer Norton story I've been meaning to, Twain will figure prominently. Thanks for reading!
BRAVO!!!! Great hub and great idea. This coming from a blonde who comes from a long line of blondes with a sprinkling of redheads. Thanks!
Very good informative hub! But you didn't mention anyone who was born a red-head but changed. I was born with red hair and over the years it NATURALLY turned blonde. Now, the summer sun brings out all these red highlights and everyone swears that I've dyed my hair. Wonder how I would be classified?
Nice hub. Good point RGraf. What about the other way around? How about all those faux redhead-wannabes? ;)
Great hub Christoph - I have a small penchant for red haired men i must admit - on the television anyway - that red headed chap from Miami Vice and of course our own KerryO'Brien from the 7.30 report - had my hair dyed red once - unfortunately it didn't suit my skin colour but it doesn't stop me admiring the red heads!
ajcor: You do? Then i must dye my hair red pronto! How will red look going over gray hair? I don't know Kerry O'Brien, of course, but I have a lot of O'Brien cousins. Maybe we're related. Thanks for having a read and your comment!
Great Hub, the anesthetic bit is true, and works the same on red haired men, I am a bit of a chameleon, as you can see from my avatar, darkish brown on my head, a full blown red beard, interposed with grey, ginger body hair.
Am accused of being fiery, and temperamental, more temper and even more mental,
Just-Rodney: Thanks for the comment! I like the "more mental" twist! Very clever! Thanks!
red hair rocks - so rock on Reilly!!! lol..
Rock on more, ajcor!
Brilliant hub! There was admittingly some things that I didn't know. Even believed that some of these myths were true myself. But thanks to this hub, I can put some of them to rest. Thank you for the hard work you put into creating this great hub.
marketingmergenow
Marketingmergenow: Thanks so much for stopping in and your kind words. Thank you!
hi i am small city personi have some frinds only women & girls so call me on 09301750886
Awesome hub! I always wanted to be more of a redhead - just a few auburn highlights is all I've got. Makes me want to find some hair dye...
Hi Christoph, very nice and informative hub. keep going buddy.
tatas: Thanks for stopping by and leaving me your phone number, which I'm sure is really your personal home phone number and that I would "have a good time" if I called that number. I have always liked tatas, by the way, and I believe such would be the case with you. I would call you, but I don't have a phone. It's sad for me, yes, but I have no doubt that you will meet someone really special and live happily ever after. I wish you the best of luck in your quest for Mr. Right (or Mrs. Right or whatever).
Lisa Packer: Thank you for stopping in and reading this hub. Glad you liked it and your kind words are appreciated. Thank you!
anirvan: Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!
I just saw a crazy documentary on the science channel, that red heads feel less pain than others! Theydid these tests, and it actually proved tha red heads can tolerate more pain.
Also remember the episode from southpark, when cartman goes around calling kids with red hair 'ginger kids'... if not its an episode to catch. ; ) Cool nfo you got here mate!
Mella: What? You again? Well, I'm flattered. It remains my pleasure to welcome you to my humble hub! Thanks!
I'm totally mystified by this thing about amount of hairs for redheads, blondes and brunettes! Who knew!!Had loads of fun with this article, plus the quotes are great! Thanks!
I had crimson hair untill recently.. i looked like ariel from the little mermaid lol
Lovely hub! "Ginga" (pronounced with a "g" like in "goal" not as in "geography") can be a term of affection in the UK, I have a bright ginga brother in law (-:
Elena: Thank you. Glad you stopped by and had fun (and some mystery!) The "amounts of hair" thing is mystifying. After I had counted the hairs on the heads of 1000 women, I couldn't believe the figures! But seriously, it is curious. Until this article, it never occured to me that they would be different based on hair color.
Thanks for stopping by and the comment!
riotgrrl: Ariel is a pretty good way to look, except for the tail of course. Did you have that looked at? By a doctor, a specialist, or a fisherman at least? Thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment! It's appreciated!
LondonGirl: I'm glad you pointed that out, since my research (included above) didn't mention that "Ginga" could be a sign of affection--only that it was derogatory. I find the British prejudice at Redheads perplexing, to say the least. I'm glad it doesn't seem so with you. Thank you for the comment!
It's not really a whole-hearted prejudice, more of an affectionate teasing, in my experience. My next child could easily be a ginga, as there are red hair genes on both sides of the gene pool! Both my Dad and my other half are closet gingas - dark hair, but red stubble if they don't shave, and my brother in law and mother in law both full on carrot tops.
It's not really a whole-hearted prejudice, more of an affectionate teasing, in my experience. My next child could easily be a ginga, as there are red hair genes on both sides of the gene pool! Both my Dad and my other half are closet gingas - dark hair, but red stubble if they don't shave, and my brother in law and mother in law both full on carrot tops.
LondonGirl: Thanks for straightening that out. Glad to see there is affection too. (I am not redheadded, by the way. A couple of cousins are, but nobody else...and in an Irish family too!)
Glad to see you again!
In life, may we all learn to "mind the gap."
REDHEADS DO IT BEST! I like to think that my red hair matches my personality... blonde, brown, black... those hair colors are so boring. Let's go for take notice hair!
dana: I agree! I don't have red hair personally but I have always liked redheads! Thanks for visiting and the comment!
Christoph, great info here. Good job my man. Love those reheads, there toes come with 'em too?
Aw, man. Bet you like those toe nails painted bright red too! Or a shoe that just reveals a little toe-cleavage? I was just reading your toe comments on Pam R's hub about muses. I never understood the feet thing but, yes, I think redheads have toes too.
Thanks for coming by and commenting, and sharing your predilections towards the pedal extremities of females.
G'day Chris, my dear late ma-inlaw was a flaming redhead and even though she was knee high to a grasshopper you did not mess with her. Man did she have a temper. Fortunatly for me my wife did not inherit the temper or the red hair.
mate I enjoyed the read and now appreciate redheads a bit better!
One other thing, do you have any idea why we call red headed guys "blue" or "bluey" ?
Ag: Sounds like your ma-inlaw was a little firecracker! As for "bluey", it is a particularly Australian thing, and redheads are called blue because orange or yellow vegetables (pumpkin, squash) are called blue vegetables. Now, if you were to ask me why those vegetables are called blue, I can't help you.
Thanks for stopping in, sitting a spell, and reading this. It's always appreciated, as are your comments!
Wouldn't you know, Christoph, I met a redhead yesterday, new kid on the office block, and I told her she had less hairs in her cute head than I do and if she didn't believe me she could start counting! The look on her face told me she didn't believe me, but that she thought I was bonkers. It's all your fault now! Laugh!
Ha! I'll bet she goes home tonight and spends hours trying to count them! Nice to have you. I've been a little shy bout coming round to see you...afraid I may have over done it. Nice to see you here though. Thanks!
Actually, I'm working on a hub in your honor...not telling anyone though--just our secret, however, I'm not sure I can finish it. I'm having to omit so many things because they are private and I just cant share them with the masses. Plus, somewhat risque...well...downright naughty. Anyway, we'll see. It is in answer to a question you asked me.
Ay, Christoph, no way! Nothing is overdone when it's done with style! You're courteous, chivalrous, considerate and if that weren't enough you're loads of fun and good for my ego! What more could a girl hope for? Do visit, por favor, whenever you feel the inclination, it's my pleasure entirely!
Thanks Elena! I'll be round soon. Gotta run to the post office. Gamergirl wants an autographed 8x10. She's yanking my chain...but I'm sending it anyway cause it's funny.
As a suicide redhead, (dyed by my own hand,) I loved this article! Well-written, great pics, fun stuff! Thanks!
michellcat: Thanks for coming by and the comment! It's appreciated!
Thanks for this hub. I've always been intrigued by red hair. My mother who died when I was three, was a red head. I got the easy to burn skin but not much more than a glint of strawberry. My kids didn't get it either. I always wonder when I see a red head if my mom's was that particular color? When I ask my Dad he says something like, "Dark red, the really pretty kind." Kay, that's as clear as mud.
Patricia: I think I see that glint of strawberry. As Irish as my family is, we have no redheads (except for two cousins.) I like the hair I have but also have always been intrigued by redheads. Maybe the recessive gene will rear its head in your grandkids?
Thanks for coming by and the thoughtful comment!
Is it possiple that people in Asia get redhead? My friend just asked me why i dyed my hair dark red. I just read this page and found out I have the same symptom of redhead.
Paul: Thanks for coming by and the comment. So you have the "symptoms" of redheads, eh? I don't really see it as an affliction, but anyway, yes, it is certainly possible. Read this:
Red hair has also been found in Asia, notably among the Tocharians who occupied the northwesternmost province of what is modern-day China. The 2nd millennium BC caucasian Tarim mummies in China were found with red and blonde hair and most likely were of European origin.
The next time tell your friend that you have Tocharian blood. Thanks!
Hi Christoph -
I thoroughly enjoyed your hub (along with many others; WoW, so many comments! I read most of them but had to stop for taking up too much time! I love the one left by BT Evilpants and Bugs!!!).
I was led here by Rgrafs hub on the topic. Very interesting about the anesthesia...and I knew the Irish were known for producing redheads, but did not know that they came in second to the Scots! (I'm both, with also French and English). You included a lot of great pics and so complete in not forgetting the men. So many of those you included really span the spectrum and I would have never thought to include some of those you did.
Nice job (thumbs up) and thank you!
christinekv: Thank you so much. I'm glad yoou enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment about the pics too. Want to hear something odd? Just last night I spent a couple of hours updating this with new photos. Kind of amazing, eh? Anyway, thanks for coming by. Hope to see you again!
did you forget George Washington, a favorite redhead...the mark of Cain ! whoah. that's kind of spooky but makes one wonder, the mark of Cain has to something...will never look at 2 of my sons the same way again
Ah dang - too late to edit...when I said I was led here by Rgraf's hub on a similar subject, I meant ARDIE!!! I guess it was too early for me and I hadn't had enough coffee yet...please excuse the mistake as I do like to give credit and honor where it is due! (Sorry Ardie!)
Delores Monet: Thanks for the heads-up on George Washington. I queried the Mt. Vernon website, and they said that he in fact was known to have light reddish-brown hair as a youngster. I don't think I came across that info before, but of course, this isn't supposed to have a picture of every famous red headed person - that would be problematic. But - George Washington - of course he should be here. Now he is! Thanks, and thanks for the comment!
christinekv: Well, I am more than happy to give Ardie credit where credit is due. Everybody loves Ardie and so do I! THANK YOU ARDIE! Actually, I didn't know Ardie had a red head hub. I'll go check it out. Thanks!
If anyone is following this thread, you should go read Ardie's hub, Life as a Redhead. It is excellent! There's a link up there under the article, but so you don't miss it, here it is again:
CR -
Since I have been married to a RedHead for fify years, and in love with one for sixty years; I think that I can comment one this hub, with some authority. Mark Twain was right! RedHeads are like cats. Tigers, I think, "Tiger, tiger burning bright in the forest of the night...." And like cats, you can not own one. They chose to allow you in their presence.
I was lucky - I found mine sixty years ago http://hubpages.com/hub/
Forget-Not-the-Bride-of-thy-Youth
A very Good Hub!
Bohica: Yes. I think you have that right. But what the cat has to learn is: I choose to allow HIM in MY presence. I could take him to the human society any time and trade him in for a different model.
Thanks for coming by and the comment.
Awwe, you are so nice Christoph! :* (Thats a kiss on the cheek) I am glad you updated your photos, I had no idea there were so many redhead celebs out there. How could I have forgotten about Molly R?! I love her. And the anesthesia thing is true...in my case anyways. Now that's a scary thing to live with...how do you tell the doc to amp up the meds before operating?!
Thanks for the oh-so-nice mention, again.
Ardie: You were nice before I was! Ssllllllluuuuurrrrrrp! That's a big sloppy kiss on the cheek! To a Doctor, I'd just say, "Hey, Doc, you know about the Redhead/anethesia thing? Well CRANK it up!
Thank you for everything.
I´ve loved this article!
My hair is originally auburn red, but i recently dyed it with a more bright red and I´m loving it! I believe it´s true that we have some sort of different behavior, but in a god way. I´ve always kind of fought with my hair colour, for most of time I tought it has an undefined colour, since here in Brazil there aren´t much people with redheads; so if you go to a hair salon they will probably think your hair is some sort of blond; wich makes the incertanty even bigger!
When I was born my hair was completely red, "ginger" like, but then it all fell and a blond hair grew instead. When becoming a teenager, the hair started growning auburn red again, making it all very confusing to me!
Recently I decided to let it grow naturally, without any colour added to it, so my boyfriend keeped telling me my hair would grow red. I was a little aprehensive wheter he would like it or not, but he loved! So today, I have assumed I´m a redhead with most pride! And I´m must say I´m feeling wonderfoul than ever now.
Reading to this only made me more confidence to keep it bright and red! :)
Oh, and over the anesthesia thing, it was exactly what happened to me. The anesthesiologist keeped giving me more and more propofol and it would never kick! When it finally did, the procedure went throught and when he pulled the seringe out I was awaked within seconds. He was completely astonished with the role thing. Now I have and explanation.
THANKS!!!
Fernanda: Thank you so much for your comment! Tudo Bem? Ha, ha. I had many Brazillian friends from Rio when I lived in New York, and dated a Brazillian girl for two years. She is back in Rio now, and we still exchange letters occasionally. So, it was nice to hear from you.
Of course you should keep it red! I'll bet you look stunning, especially with red hair being so rare in Brazil. I'm glad your boyfriend likes it.
So many redheads have written to me saying that they new they were harder to anesthetize but didn't know why. I'm glad I could answer that question for you!
Thank you again for coming by. It made my day to hear from a Brazillian!
Prazer em conhecê-lo.Te cuida.
Oh and I would add the actor that plays Dexter on TV, Michal C. Hall as another redhead personality!
And I would also like to comment about the prejudice by saying that here in Brazil people actually admire redheads, altought they don´t adooore it. :) But I don´t see any prejudice.
When I was little I studied in a swiss school and - wow - people where more prejudice about redhead there than at any other school I went to. As my hair it´s a bit curly, the kids from kindergarten in the swiss school said that I looked like a witch! LOL! I think they got used to my magic powers later, cuz they never said anything anymore.
And the pain resistence, for me, it´s absolutelly true. My bf is a brunette and far taller then me and I can take pain much more easier then he does. LOL
Thanks again for the great information!
I hope to keep in touch!
I didn´t know your´re so familiar to Brazil. Thats nice! :)
Está bem no português! Parabéns!
Fernanda: Aw, we just missed each other. I'm glad you don't experience any red head prejudice in Brazil. It's so silly anyway.
I can tell you're not a witch. I'm glad you put a spell on those Swiss girls!
O prazer é meu. Vamos manter contato. Saúde!
saúde!!!
Cheers to you!
Wow! So much information. Thanks for setting the record straight. We redheads definitely have more fun.
dark faery: Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. I'm happy to set the record straight. So, redheads have more fun, eh? That's good to know and it confirms my suspicions!
I wish I looked like Julian Moore or Kate Winslet I am average compared to them as they are beautiful!!! I love being a redhead, or auburn whatever you want to call it , however the strange thing is all of my sisters are blondes. My parents told me I came from the pumpkin patch..Lol:) I now realize the color of my hair comes from my grandmother and I love it!!!:) Not only are redheads, mysterious, they are also smart and fun!!!:)
AEvans: Well, I'm sure you are very lovely. Thanks for reading. I know what you mean about the siblings thing. My brother has black hair, then I came along with brown, then my sister with blonde...I always said to my Mom that if she had had one more kid, It would have been red-headed. I always told my sister she was adopted...just to be mean.
If you'r'e any indications redheads ARE mysterious, smart, and fun! Thanks for the comment!
@ AEvand, didn't you say your avatar is the real you now? I'm not a guy, but its obvious you are gorgeous!
Randy: Thanks for pointing that out. You know, I always thought AE used a real pic...Why AEvans..you are GORGEOUS! You hold your own with the best of them!
And Randy..you're no slouch yourself! Know what I mean? Wowza! Of course, we've only seen your back and your midriff, but I'm guessing.....hottie!
I'm thinking of going red, what do you think?
You can only get hotter, and now your hair will be on fire!
Strawberry or full blown red?
Strawberry, I think, but just a little more.
Kay.
Really, you don't need to change a darn thing.
poo poo poo poo poo
Goin' red tomorrow!
Burnstein: Thanks for answering my question, "What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and holidays." Sounds rather monotonous.
Randy: How will we know?
Should I change my avatar to the back of my head?
No, no. Leave the avatar alone. Instant.
Terrific hub. Never knew there were so many famous redheads. As a 'not quite natural' redhead, I say Go Red!!
Lafenty: Thank you! Better red than a guy named Fred! I appreciate your taking the time to comment!
Great post, long live the redheads, they look beautiful and natural to look at. Some of the best actresses are redheads.
Thank you, cgull8m! Would you perhaps be a redhead? Not that I disagree. I appreciate your comment and the visit!
Hedirey: Thanks for stopping by and leaving the poem, Oh Who is That Young Sinner by A.E. Housman. Regrettably, I cannot leave your comment since your name is a link of questionable ownership. Feel free to leave the poem without the link.
Thanks.
Thanks for setting the record straight. I'm a natural green eyed redhead and me and my sibbling were teased alot as kids. I still get called red by strangers more times than I can count. I hated it as a kid but now as an adult I love being a redhead.
slavenm: Glad to do so. Thanks for coming by and the comment. It's an interesting thing about redheads: They are so often treated poorly as children (teased, etc.) but it then becomes a desirable trait. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing all this information.
eaasi3574: Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a comment!
Hey Christoph...After reading your excerpt of "Bloodlust", I just had to check out your other hubs. I happened onto this one and as a nurse I can tell you that Redheads are a bear to care for post-op. They usually do need more pain meds and wake up from anesthesia wild. (Just to reinforce for your fan base that you did your research and are not blowin' smoke ;-).
I laughed out loud at many of your comments. I like your writing style and look forward to reading more.
The(vampire) chapter was interesting but your off the cuff, easy-going article writing skills make for interesting short reads.
Loved the pics too. I am writing a novel based, loosely, on a lead heroine charachter of a combination Grace O'Malley and Elizabeth I, both strong willed redheads. Found the history helpful for my research. thanks.
Adrianna
Adrianna: Thanks for the visit. Glad to get the "authentication" on redheads requiring more sedation. Your compliments are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Loved the hub.... Maureen Ohara and Lucille Ball were definitely real beautiful red-heads!!!
LAmatadora: Thanks for stopping in. Lucille never did anything for me (that way) but Maureen OHara - Yowza! - what a woman! Thanks for your comment.
Interesting connotations and history.
Kushal: Thanks for tuning in!
I'm a redhead and I love your hub!
Disturbia: Thank you! How did I know you were a redhead? I just had a feeling. Thanks for saying "Hi!"
This hub is AWESOME! I've heard rumours about red heads (guilty, I have some too, haha!), but could never find anything worth reading on the net, then I found this!!! GREAT read, love the humor! Thanx!
platinumblue: Thanks for the generous comment. Welcome to HubPages! I'm sure you'll have fun here.
This is very interesting. I have very reddish-brown hair naturally and it takes red hair coloring very well, must be the Scots-Irish blood. I also find it intresting about the tremendous sexual appetite red heads have. My husband is a true red head. Sometimes I have to tell him to "go away." Very funny. I do have a firey temper though. I'm not sure about the anesthesia, as I never had a problem while "under." For those that are interested: Lucille Ball was not a real redhead. She was actually a brunette.
jilldini: Nice to hear from you. I'm not a redhead but based on the sexual appetite thing, maybe I have the recessive gene. I've heard the "go away" many times, often followed by "I can't do it anymore." No brag. Just fact.
I think Lucille was pretty open about not really having red hair, wasn't she? There certainly were enough jokes about it. Thank you for the comment!
If I could choose, I would want to be blond, but when it comes to the females of the species, I find red heads absolutely irresistible and they turn my head every time. After reading your article, it seems there is some validity to the red head rumors, it has been my experience that most red heads are usually more interesting and more passionate in their feelings. I don't know why men are afraid of red heads or why there is a stigma, I love 'em. Awesome hub, thank you.
Alexander: Red Heads certainly are interesting. Glad you liked the article. Thank you!
being a redhead i loved this hub, i loved the redhead quotes the best! all so true! haha :)
Andee: And a lovely redhead you are too. You're new here? Are you going to write? I'd love to read what a redhead writes! Thanks for the comment!
I am the oldest of seven and the only redhead. 3 of my siblings are the brunette epitome of my "black Irish" maternal grandfather and the other 3 are shining examples of my father's blonde German heritage. My hair color, inherited from a Scottish great-grandmother, stood out like hot flame. I once went to a salon to have it dyed either brunette or blonde but the stylist refused to do it. As he so elegantly put it, "Honey, not matter what color I put on your hair, you will never be mistaken for anybody but a redhead." That said, I had him punch the color up a few notches and now I have total strangers, men and women, comment on my hip length flaming red hair.
I am the oldest of seven and the only redhead. 3 of my siblings are the brunette epitome of my "black Irish" maternal grandfather and the other 3 are shining examples of my father's blonde German heritage. My hair color, inherited from a Scottish great-grandmother, stood out like hot flame. I once went to a salon to have it dyed either brunette or blonde but the stylist refused to do it. As he so elegantly put it, "Honey, not matter what color I put on your hair, you will never be mistaken for anybody but a redhead." That said, I had him punch the color up a few notches and now I have total strangers, men and women, comment on my hip length flaming red hair.
Irishreheadedgirl: I love that story! It's true. There should be a saying like that: You can take the red head OFF the girl, but you can never take the red head OUT of the girl! Thanks for commenting!
I'm in a long term relationship with a 50 year old redhead. she is an athlete and a lover beyond comparison. Absolutely amazing woman.
Keith: So, in your many years of experiments, you have concluded that redheads maintain a youthful exuberance longer than females with a different hair color? It wouldn't surprise me. Thanks for the comment!
Malcolm X had red hair, although many of the celebrities pictured here have theirs from a bottle. One natural redhead you don't mention is the lovely Scottish dancer Moira Shearer. The star of the famous ballet movie "The Red Shoes," she also starred in a 1950s movie called "The Man Who Loved Redheads," about an upper-class Englishman who struggles all his life with a fetish for redheads (all played by Shearer).
Victoria: Thanks for pointing out those oversights. I'm sure there are others I have forgotten as well. Thanks!
Ya redheads tend to keep there color longer and as i was reading and still am one of the stereotypes about us is that we can drink more than others or well Irish people can..either way if we need 20% more anesthetic i can see why we could hold are drinks better than others. Also the reason we have fewer hairs on or head is because we have thicker hair I tend to end up with a little dandruff when i let my hair grow out not to mention it grows straight up because the shampoo actually cant reach my scalp to moisturize it. lol just made account i want to know if u reply
Thats some serious thick hair! Thanks for the comment.
Wow Chris mmmmmmm after looking over these beauties with the sultry red hair I have to say they are coming pretty close to the dynamics of the blondes. However blonde is still slightly ahead and I aint biased, ROFL. xoxoxxo
Hi BP! Woo hoo! Of course your not biased. You speak based on personal experience. But I suggest you are an exceptional blond. That doesn't necessarily mean that other blonds are equal to you in charm, grace, adorability,and downright hugginess! (wolf whistle!) Love you, Babe!
What a fantastic page full of great content for us redhead fans....I'm bookmarking it now.
jhenry: Thanks for visiting and for the comment! I'll leave your link there.
'ADAM' was not the name of a man but the characterization of the race of Redheads. The Chaldean word 'Adam' (Aramaic and Hebrew 'Edom') and the Adamite-Ionian word 'Phoenix' are synonyms and mean 'Red' or 'Auburn-red'.
In ancient Armenian poetry, (Armenia is in the vicinity of Eden), the heroes, demigods and gods appearing in these epic sagas are mentioned as "of fair complexion, blue-eyed and Red-haired".
Blue-eyed Redheads are the only descendants of the Adamite race. The Genesis story that all races are descendants of Adam is a deception by Thoth-Hermes, in order to cover up the genocide of the Adamite race.
Read the facts about the origin of the various human races in "A Synoptic History of Mankind", (only 10 pages), a free download from my Website at http://jesusdzeus.com . Read from the same Site "Reappraisal of the role of Thoth-Hermes", (6 pages), which explains the deception and "ENDGAME UPDATES in progress", so that your heart will be filled with joy.
Please pass this information on
Be my guest
Jesus D Zeus
Your comment would be welcome
Jesus D. Zeus: I might find it interesting but my heart wouldn't be "filled with joy." Not that it would be sad or anything. People are entitled to believe whatever they want. I'm just stating a common belief because such things help to define our culture. I appreciate your comment.
I wish there had been more info on black red heads. Red hair runs in my family but we are black people so the whole fair skin red hair thing doesn't apply to us.
You have a legitimate observation. I didn't intend not to include information on redheaded blacks. In the many articles I read about redheads, I didn't come across any information about them, so it didn't even occur to me. You now have me wondering about it, and I wonder why it was not discussed in any of the scads of papers I read on the subject.
I wrote this a long time ago, but maybe someday I'll look into that and include a section here. Thanks for pointing it out.
All the best to you!
Hi Christoph, If you have a few spare mins, can you possibly pop over to Spryte's hub
http://hubpages.com/hub/Maginels-Mother---My-Memor
as some TROLL has been giving her a bit of a hard time and our gang used to be really good at sorting these kinds of people out, (it will be just like old times, as I have already asked Shadesbreath much the same favour).
Thanks
Misty: Thanks! Spryte told me about it, but I was late getting there. Thanks for the tip, though!
this was very interesting, im a junior in high school and i have auburn curly hair. some of the jokes on here like tampon top, ive never heard of before. they made me laugh cause i know someone is bout to call me that one of these days. but if i may ask, do you know why people find red heads so intimidating? besides the fact that there arent that many of us.
this web site was awesome. totally loved it!!
nicole lass: Hi! As long as you don't become offended by the stupid things people say, then they can never hurt you. Not only that, people will quit calling you names if you laugh at them instead of the reaction they want.
As for your question, "Why people find red heads so intimidating," all I can say is you are different from most people. True, it's just the color of your hair, but people (especially the young and stupid) fear what they don't know. You will find that this attitude holds them back in all parts of their life, and it will seriously stunt their emotional and educational growth. They should instead embrace redheads and the unknown, come to understand and befriend all things that are a challenge to them, and they will prosper, emotionally and intellectually, if not financially.
If things are rough for you sometimes (and you haven't said that they are), just be patient. The world will catch up as it grows older--and smarter.
Thanks for your kind words! A pleasure to hear from you!
this is great and oh so true.
true that red-heads will NOT grow gray either. it turns a beautiful white. there is no pigment to turn red-heads gray.
truecopper: Thanks for coming by and taking time to leave a comment. Thanks!
I'm a natural redhead, and I L O V E it!
And to all the other readheads : Don't worry, you seem special, because you are!
Henx Michele: And who can blame you? Thanks for leaving your comment. Thank you!
im a natural redhead and i luv it so much and it is true red heads luv sex and kissing :>
taby94: Glad to hear it. Thank you for leaving your titillating comment!
so is the vampire story true?
Taby: I don't know what vampire story you are referring to, but I suppose it depends on whether or not you believe in vampires. I have written two vampire stories. Not sure if that is what you are referring to. If you'd like to see them they are:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Captive-of-the-Night
http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Night-Captive-Blood-Lu
Thanks.
As a redhead (Auburn) I thank you for the great hub! I was especially excited to see the Scots Gaelic quote :Ruadh gu brath! Thanks again!
Kendall: Thank you for dropping by. Alway nice to have a redhead around! Thanks!
Hey there Awesome page really i used to hate my redhair and iv dyed it 4 times when i was 15 bwt now its growing back a dark red colour my nautual colours. its really short bwt im growing it :).its werid tho i dont have freckles bwt i have pale skin and green eyes:D
have some love .x.xox from ScottishLassie
Yes I'm a natural redhead and Yes I DO require more anesthesia than my dentist usually gives for someone my height and weight. I always wondered why it took longer to numb up and why I needed more to do so as well. Pheomelanin is the name of the "red" color and as a mutation, it impairs pain receptors in the brain. I also heard a rumor that redheads bleed longer and I'm currently researching as to why this could be. Possibly due to inhibition of vitamin K, needed for clotting, that our friend pheomelanin is responsible for. One last thing, red heads got their name before the word for the color "orange" was invented.
jennypenny: Thanks for your knowledgeable comment. Glad you stopped by and had a read. A pleasure! Thanks!
I am a natural redhead and really enjoyed this! I am actually red-haired, but brown-eyed, and find it even more rare to meet someone with this combination. Because of the combo, I frequently was asked if that was my natural hair color. Um, yes...:)
I have a wicked temper, but as most redheads learn, one must control that to exist in society. As a child, I was so bad that I fear the mother's curse (I hope you have one just like you). My sister, a blonde, definitely had a more subdued temper.
I have been fortunate to not need major anaesthesia yet, but have had minor surgeries (wisdom teeth, for example), to which I receive major pain medication, without request! I'll say..."oh I'll be fine" and then the doctor will proscribe me demerol for un-impacted, upper wisdom teeth removal.
I think the sensitivity infiltrates multiple areass of your life. Obviously the temper, pain, and sexuality (all accurately) have received a lot of attention, but I've personally been told I'm highly sensitive to others generally. Maybe the gene that carries this trait just makes us more naturally affected?
I am actually French, so shoutouts to the french redheads! :) Though apparently Northern France (my origin) was dominated by Scandinavians at one point.
The way I'm going, I doubt redheads are dying out this century. I hope I find myself another redhead to grow old with! :) The two redheads I've been in relationships with were my favorite ones by far :).
me197: Glad you enjoyed it. Red hair with brown eyes IS rare, and it seems you can report first hand that these "myths" are true, and not myths at all. My two red-haired cousins (I mean REALLY red) don't seen to have tempers at all, but are both pretty quiet, but then they were the last kids with two pretty dominant brothers ahead of them, so maybe they are the exception.
It's probably accurate to say that redheads are more sensitive all the way around. It would explain a lot. Prefer red headed men, huh? I'll bet you'd have some red headed offspring.
I appreciate your comment and I thank you for the visit!
The part about anesthesia is true .I have copper coloured hair and they need more anesthetic with me ,also i come round quickly too .Mosquitoes love me as well and will fly past others to get to me .I am Australian with English ,Irish and Scottish ancestory.
Annie Graham: All the best from each culture, I'm sure! All my favorites anyway. I'm trying to compute the reason mosquitoes prefer you. Your blood is more red? Richer? More full of nutrients? Hmmm. Curious. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
I know the part about the anesthetic is true. I had an operation as a teen and I am a redhead... ps- I wont up on the operating table very much in shock and pain. I didn't know what I was doing and I tried to rip the breathing tube out of my throat, they had to increase my anesthetic and hold me down. Then recovery was very slow because my body didn't handle the anesthetic the way most bodies do. SO NOT FUN! But I love being a red head!
shawna.wilson says:
16 months ago
I was really surprised when you mentioned the part about anesthesia. This is actually true from my experience. It's well known in the operating room that red heads require more drugs and they often wake up from anesthesia very wildly. Very interesting hub!