Perhaps the most notable Celtic influence on the world is red hair, which is found all over the world today. Although its origins are not from Celtic nations, the largest percentage live in or have originated from them, making it a well-known Celtic trait. Red hair often comes with other distinct Celtic attributes, including fair skin, freckles, pale eye colors- and plenty of stereotypes and superstitions!
Red hair is a genetic mutation, same as blue eyes, which began over 70,000 years ago in West Asia. It was actually two different red mutations, with a third, darker variation appearing about 30,000 years ago in Europe. Today less than 1% of the population have natural red hair, in part because it is a recessive gene. This means each parent has to carry the gene, and even then there's only a 25% chance it will form. There is a large percentage of people who carry of the 'secret' gene, which is why sometimes people with red hair are the only one in their family or their family's generation. And contrary to popular belief, because so many carry the gene it's not 'dying out' anytime soon- if ever.
Its rarity is likely the reason it has always been associated as a gift or curse. During the Middle Ages some throughout women with red hair were more promiscuous, while many believed it was connected to magic and the supernatural. Alchemists even believed the blood of young red-headed
men would turn copper into gold. The fear subsided a few centuries later, and red hair was largely known as a fashion statement- formed largely by Queen Elizabeth I's enviable locks. Red hair became extremely popular, to the point that many women known for their red hair, including Mary Queen of Scots, were constantly wearing wigs to hide their true hair color, which wasn't red. The most notable ginger in the last century is likely actress Lucille Ball, a natural brunette! She became a "golden apricot" after urges from the her employer, MGM Studios so her hair would be more vivid on television.
We may never know fully understand why the world equally covets and detests red-heads, but this will likely help it remain a popular Celtic icon for centuries to come.
