My grandmother is a natural redhead. So is my daughter, which means our family has heard our share of myths about red hair. Some are funny, some are weird, some are plain insulting, but none of them are true. So whether you’re a ginger or just want to be more informed about them, keep reading. Here are 7 funny myths about red hair.
1. They Turn into Vampires when They Die
The ancient Greeks used to believe this funny myth about red hair — that when a redhead died, they turned into a vampire! Where could this myth have started, and how ridiculous did people feel when it was busted?
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It's certainly curious to ponder the origins of such a wild tale. Perhaps the stigma attached to red hair - often associated with witchcraft and otherworldliness in medieval times - laid the foundation for this spooky superstition. Imagine the bewilderment of the old believers witnessing the lack of fanged transformations at funerals. Surely, the idea of redheads returning from the grave with a thirst for blood has faded into the annals of folklore, but the vivid image it creates is a testament to the powerful imagination of our ancestors and their flair for dramatic storytelling.
2. They Were Conceived during Menstruation
This myth about red hair persists to this day, though it’s complete nonsense. There is not now, and never has been, any proof that this is true, but hateful, ignorant people still carry it forward. Maybe they’re just jealous.
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3. They’re Unlucky
Ancient Egyptians considered redheads to be so unlucky, they offered them in sacrifice, hoping to end the supposed bad-luck streak. Can you imagine being killed in a ritual, simply because your hair was an “unlucky” shade? On the other hand, though, Romans thought redheads might bring luck, so they were particularly desirable… when purchased as slaves.
4. They Have Fiery Tempers
Is this a myth about red hair, or could it be true? For centuries, redheads have been said to have fiery tempers, as well as lusty libidos. But I haven’t been able to find any research on this topic… maybe redheads have more fun than blondes… and maybe it’s not a good idea to cross them.
5. Bees Sting Redheads More Often
This myth about red hair may actually be true, though the science has yet to catch up with anecdotal evidence. Why bees would choose to sting redheads more often than blondes or brunettes is beyond me, but my grandmother, a natural redhead, swears it’s true. Another odd but possibly true fact? Redheads require more anesthetic. Could these two be somehow related?
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6. Redheads Have Stolen Hell-fire
Wow, harsh! During the Spanish Inquisition, redheads by the hundreds died because the Spaniards thought that redheads were witches who had stolen the fires of hell, and as such, had to be burnt at the stake.
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This eye-popping belief sizzled during the torrid times of witch-hunting mania. Sadly, the vibrant flame of red locks became a beacon for suspicion and fear. The myth snaked its way through the ages, marking fiery-haired individuals as dangerously otherworldly. It's a stark reminder that, once upon a time, a simple genetic roulette could land you in seriously hot water—or rather, flames. Tragically, these alleged flame-fingered folks faced a chilling fate that was anything but a fairy tale.
7. Redheads Will Eventually Go Grey
To any redhead out there hoping to fade into obscurity once their fiery tresses go grey, I have somber news. It’s likely not going to happen. Most redheads (my grandmother included) go from red to blonde to white, with nary a grey hair. While the rest of us sorry saps have to start covering our grey, you’ll all be gorgeous strawberry blondes. Unfair!
So many myths … and so few redheads (only about 4% worldwide). If you’re a ginger, which of these myths about red hair have you heard, and which came as a surprise? Which is your own favorite? Or do you have another myth about red hair to share?
Comments
Tiffany: I am a strawberry blonde(more red than blonde though) & after I had my son,my doctor kept pressing down on my tummy because he said "redheads tend to hemorrhage more than others" not sure...about that one...but I do have a fiery temper & I've only been stung twice in my life by a bee.
DragonsAngel71: about the grey hair... BS yes we DO get grey hair! Its sucks too.. My red has faded over the yrs but yes, we do get grey hair :(
Red: Typos. "More often than..." And speaking as a real live redhead, why are all the red haired women in the photos red from a bottle?
Anonymous: Funny! I am a natural fiery red head, and I too required more anesthetic for my c section. At one point it wore off while they were stitching me and had to give me medicine to make me forget. The temper one makes me giggle. I have always been teased about it, and it's just about one of the only things that do upset me. I'm very easy going. I also get myths about freckles that go with it though. Anyone have any myth debunking on those?
brandy: I have been a natural red head my entire life, I have an aunt who has red hair as well as my mom. I have never in my entire life been stung by bee's and my other family member with red hair have only ever been stung once. As for the tempers ill admit I have one crazy one that much is absolutely true. Most of these other comments just make people look like complete idiots. Red hair does not mean your more likely to be allergic to strawberries and iodine.. I am also a nurse and have never found this to be anything close to the truth nor do we react to shellfish more....I mean I'm not saying that there aren't red heads with these problems but there are also brunettes and blonde also it isn't a hair color factor. Natural red hairs are so rare and I personally love it I don't consider myself unlucky by any means
Hayley: I heard each of our freckles are a soul we have stolen
Kim: Yep, I started to get WHITE hairs when I was 21 or 22. My maternal grandmother has snow white hair without a trace of grey. I swear that the white hairs are wavier and that they grow faster compared to the rest of my hair.
Linda: My red hair has gone on many changes. When I was young it was red as I became a teen it changed to a orange copper color then by the time I was about 17 it went back to my dark red, After I had my kids it went from thick to thinner and the color lightened. Now that I'm 60 It has been going to white not gray. I also have to have double the pain meds to knock out the pain. I also have a problem with lots of meds acting on strange, don't know if thats a red thing. I don't have a temper but people try to see how far they can push before I show my attitude. I like this sight cause Ive never read so much from other red heads,lol.
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