Redhead Appreciation Day
With fiery locks that ignite every room they enter, these individuals add a vibrant hue to life, proving that uniqueness is captivating.
Perhaps because of their rarity and uniqueness, redheads have often been called various names, whether it’s copper or ginger, spitfire or carrot top. Redheads are certainly interesting, beautiful and absolutely worth celebrating.
And that’s the purpose of Redhead Appreciation Day!
History of Redhead Appreciation Day
The natural genes of redheads can be traced back for thousands of years. It is believed that the first people with red hair appeared in Central Asia. In classical literature, redheads have been portrayed with some less-than positive characteristics, especially among men.
One topic that makes an interesting study is that of royal redheads throughout history. Red hair has often been associated with Celtic people, as described by both the Greeks and the Romans.
One of the most famous redheaded royal women in history is Boadicea, a queen of the British Icea tribe in the first century AD. She led an uprising against the Roman Empire for which she was still considered to be a folk hero, even though the battle was lost. Boadicea is rumored to have been extremely tall with a terrifying appearance that included red hair hanging down her back below her waist.
Other famous redheads are English royals Queen Elizabeth I and her father, 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 were also both known as redheads.
Oliver Cromwell was another famous British redhead who was a leader of England and Scotland in the 1600s and was one of the people who signed the death warrant for Charles I. Eventually, after his death, Cromwell’s body was tried and convicted of regicide crimes, so his embalmed ginger head was put on a spike and purportedly changed hands over the next 300 years.
Some cultures have believed that women who have red hair are witches, while others have tended to think that women with red hair have special powers. In fact, some of this might be more than myth. Scientists have shown that redheads are more sensitive to temperature changes, they may have a higher pain awareness and their skin might even smell better!
Because red hair is a recessive gene, it is the rarest natural hair color in the world, with only 1-2% of the population having the privilege of being called a redhead or a ginger.
Redhead Appreciation Day is meant to set aside time to let these rare beauties in the world know how much their uniqueness is appreciated and how much they are loved. So take a moment on Redhead Appreciation Day to tell a redhead – whether it’s an adorable baby ginger or a huge burly one – how special they really are!
How to Celebrate Redhead Appreciation Day
Consider some of these fun ideas for enjoying and celebrating Redhead Appreciation Day:
Tell a Redhead That They are Loved
The most important thing that can be done today is to let a redhead know how much they are appreciated and cared for. Reach out to a family member, coworker or friend who is a redhead. Send them a card, a note or a letter. Give them a call to say that they are loved. Or take a favorite redhead out to lunch!
Don’t know any redheads personally? That’s okay! If you see one walking down the street, simply say hello and wish them a happy Redhead Appreciation Day!
Listen to Songs About Redheads
Get into the spirit of Redhead Appreciation Day by enjoying some songs and paying tribute to redheads by creating a playlist on Spotify or another music platform, or just by playing a couple of songs.
Consider some of these songs about redheads to get started:
- 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.
Learn Some Fun Facts About Redheads
Is it surprising that redheaded people are more likely to be left handed? In honor and celebration of Redhead Appreciation Day, learn some delightful bits of trivia related to people with red hair. Get started with some of these:
-
Although only 1-2% of people worldwide have red hair, the highest concentrations of red hair occur in Scotland (12%) and Ireland (10%).
-
Because of the gene mutation (MC1R) related to red hair, these folks are also more likely to have sensitive pain receptors, often needing more anesthesia for medical or dental procedures.
-
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.
-
Because of their rather sensitive skin, redheads are more likely to develop skin cancer when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Watch a Film with a Redheaded Actor or Actress
Enjoy and appreciate the talent of redheads by watching a film that stars an actress or actor with red hair. Try out one (or all!) of these movies that star a favorite ginger:
- 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.
