Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Surprising History of Redheads: From Prehistoric Gingers to Ed Sheeran

Jul 12, 2024

Author Jacky Colliss Harvey delves into the historical significance of red hair, from prejudices in medieval Europe to fashion trends in England. Explore myths, stereotypes, and cultural narratives surrounding redheads, debunk witch trial misconceptions, and discover the evolution of societal attitudes towards red hair.

36:54

Creator website

Episode guests

Jacky Colliss Harvey

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Red hair symbolized power and defiance in historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I and Boudica.

Modern initiatives challenge stereotypes by rebranding red hair positively and fostering community.

Deep dives

Red Hair in History and Power Dynamics

Throughout history, red hair has carried complex symbolism. Queen Elizabeth I, known for her red hair, strategically used this trait to establish legitimacy and connection to England's colors. The link between the color red and power, as seen through Elizabeth navigating her reign, resonates with the defiance against conventional norms, as exemplified by Boudica's red hair symbolizing rebellion against the Romans.

Intro

3min

The History and Social Stigma of Redheads

15min

Exploring the Historical Significance of Red Hair and Henna Dyeing

3min

Exploring the History of Redheads

2min

Redheads and Witch Trials Misconceptions

4min

Historical Perceptions and Evolution of Attitudes Towards Redheads

11min

Exploring Redhead History and Inviting Audience Engagement

3min

Boudica. Elizabeth I. Ed Sheeran. The history of the redhead goes back thousands of years, and it fluctuates from prejudice in medieval Europe, to the height of fashion in Protestant England.

2% of the global population are redheads, so if you are one, you're one of a special few.

Jacky Colliss Harvey, author of Red: A History of the Redhead, joins Kate Betwixt the Sheets to explore red hair throughout the ages, debunking myths and analysing its place in society.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy, the producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

Voting is open for the Listener's Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards, so if you enjoy what we're doing, we'd love it if you took a quick follow this link and click on Betwixt the Sheets: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign here for up to 50% for 3 months using code BETWIXT.

You can take part in our listener survey here.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Surprising History of Redheads: From Prehistoric Gingers to Ed Sheeran

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Red Hair in History and Power Dynamics

Mythology and Misconceptions About Redheads

Traits and Origins of Red Hair

Evolution of Attitudes Towards Redheads

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts