World Redhead Day is observed annually on May 26. It is a day designated to honour those with natural red hair. Less than 2% of the world’s population is born with naturally red hair, so if you have red hair, you are considered a member of a distinct group. Red hair is more prevalent and occurs more frequently (between 2% and 6%) in people of Northern European descent. High levels of the red pigment pheomelanin and low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin give red hair its colour.
HISTORY OF WORLD RED HEAD DAY
Redheads have a range of red hair colours, from deep burgundy or brilliant copper, or auburn, to burnt orange or red-orange, to strawberry blonde. Red hair is typically associated with fair complexion, lighter eyes, freckles, and ultraviolet light sensitivity.
In ancient Asian civilizations (dating back to the second millennium B.C. ), it was said that people had auburn and red hair. There are numerous references to redheads in ancient Greek literature. Greek authors described the ancient Budini, Sarmatians, and Thracians as having blue eyes and scarlet hair.
Throughout history, it has been believed that red hair is advantageous for women but not for males. Red hair has been associated with evil, vampires, and demons; red hair was typically associated with outsiders due to its rarity. Some historians also attribute this prejudice to the belief that Judas Iscariot (the disciple who betrayed Jesus) had red hair. Red hair is also associated with a volatile temperament. During the 16th and 17th centuries, red-haired women were considered demons. During the witch trials, an estimated 45,000 red-haired women suspected of being witches were burnt.
Even though instances of prejudice and indifference against redheads have occurred, acceptance and celebration have become the norm. There are redhead festivals all over the world, from the Netherlands to Israel. Additionally, there is a magazine called “MC1R” for redheads only. (“MC1R” stands for “melanocortin-1 receptor,” a gene that codes for protein.)
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RED HAIR
Red hair is the result of a genetic mutation
The parents of children born with red hair carry the mutated MC1R gene.
Redheads are prevalent in Europe.
Redheads are more prevalent among individuals of northern or western European ancestry than in other populations.
Red hair is more robust
Red hair is denser than other hair colours.
Redheads have heightened pain sensitivity.
The MC1R gene is associated with redhead pain sensitivity.
Redheads produce vitamin D on their own.
Redheads produce vitamin D naturally, which is essential for excellent health and bone growth.
WORLD RED HEAD DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 26 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 26 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 26 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 26 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 26 | Wednesday |
