January 12 today, better known to the redheads as ‘Kiss A Ginger Day’. Unfortunately, you have to hand out that kiss virtually in corona times. Fortunately, the following facts about the red man can be absorbed carefree.
First, a word about the fun holiday itself. The initiative came from a certain Derek Forgie: he founded a Facebook group in 2009 in which he argued for more tolerance towards redheads. His ‘Kiss a Ginger Da’ came in response to the regrettable action of a fourteen-year-old boy from Vancouver.
It had previously launched ‘Kick a Ginger Day’, a day on which a redhead could be hit. He found his inspiration in the episode of ‘South Park’ where Cartman launched a real hate speech against red-light children. The loving alternative conquered all hearts and has lasted for thirteen years. But what makes them so special? You will find the answer below.
1. Vampires and witches
Throughout history, redheads have not been particularly popular. The Ancient Greeks thought they would be resurrected as vampires after death. In Europe, 45,000 ladies were burned at stake for fear of witchcraft. Adolf Hitler forbade marriages between ‘gingers’ because he thought that they would produce deviant offspring. In ancient Rome, a reverse effect was noticeable: the redder, the more the slave was worth. Their hair symbolized strength and endurance.
2. Vitamin D
Redheads have sensitive skin, so it is best not to spend too long in the sun. To compensate, they produce vitamin D themselves.
3. Own festivals
Redheads have their festival, and you don’t even have to go far. Appointment in Tilburg, where under normal circumstances about 40,000 visitors from 80 different countries come together. A group photo shoot, a beauty pageant, and various lectures will take place during those three days. The ‘gingers’ are also put in the spotlight in Ireland and Isaël.
4. Need extra anesthesia
Researchers at the University of Louisville, USA, have discovered that redheads are more sensitive to pain. This is reflected in the operating theater, among other things. Gingers should receive an average of twenty percent more anesthesia than other patients. Their gene mutation also makes them more susceptible to changing temperatures. They will therefore shake more quickly in winter.
5. Blue eyes
Most redheads have brown or green eyes. Do you still have blue viewers? Congratulations, you are part of a very rare group. Not even one in a million, to be precise.
6. Most active sex life
German researcher Werner Habermehl compared the sex lives of hundreds of women with their hair color. His research underlines the concept of ‘fiery red’. Women with red hair have by far the most active sex life. They most often change partners.
Men unconsciously associate the color red with passion, Habermehl believes. In their eyes, redheads are more likely to be seduced to act. Still, red hair is preferred by only nine percent of men. According to research agency Blauw Research, more than thirty percent falls on blonde, 17 percent on black and 14 percent on brown. Red-haired men appear to be less successful in the market, although of course, there are always exceptions.
7. No gray hair
Redheads have an average of 90,000 hairs. A big difference with blond and brown-haired people, who have 110,000 and 140,000, respectively. Because ‘gingers’ have thicker locks, no one notices it. They also don’t have to be afraid of ending up with gray hair. Their hairstyle varies in old age from different shades of red to strawberry blonde, to finally silvery white.