medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Perhaps someone got confused with ancient iconographic colours?
The colour associated with Mary today is blue, and this is because in the
medieval period the colour blue was the most expensive one to produce
properly - from lapis lazuli originating in Tibet. However, before the
general introduction of this blue lapis lazuli into Europe, Mary was
depicted in the then most expensive colour - red. I don't think it was her
hair that was red though...
Just a thought.
Rob Howe.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ms Brenda M. Cook" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 7:20 AM
Subject: Re: [M-R] BVM as redhead
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
> >
> > I am reading a novel that purports to be somewhat
> > historical. In it some 16th-c. French Calvinists
> > presume that the Virgin Mary was a redhead and
> > therefore fear and despise one of the female
> > protagonists b/c of her red hair. The specific term of
> > opprobrium is "La Rousse." Has anyone heard of this
> > specific prejudice or am I the last person on earth to
> > learn of it? I know red hair somehow came to be
> > associated with Judas, but Mary...?
>
> Speaking without any authority, I always thought it was Mary Magdalene who
> was the red-head. Traditionally, she is the one with the dodgy reputation
> even if penitent. Perhaps your author has got his Marys mixed up .......
???
>
> Brenda M.C.
>
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