Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

this is like the 3rd time, i've answered this question.

red hair %26amp; freckles is NOT specifically Irish, Scottish or Celtic!

"National Geographic, however, estimates that 2% of the world's population are redheads (September, 2007). It occurs mainly in northern and western European populations, and their descendants, and at low frequencies throughout other parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_hair

red hair is often found in Celtic populations, but it's certainly not limited to them. it's been found in China, Japan, Iran, Russia, the Nordic countries, Ashkenazi Jews, the South Pacific %26amp; Africa. most of these people are in no way related to the Celts, nor can they all be ruled out by random genetic mutations.

". Eighty percent of redheads have a MC1R gene variant,[10] and the prevalence of these alleles is highest in Scotland and Ireland"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_hair#Bi...

"Having freckles is genetic and is related to the presence of the melanocortin-1 receptor MC1R gene variant, which is dominant."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freckles

so while Celts do have a higher than average tendency towards being red-heads%26amp; having freckless, it isn't limited to them, but dependent on if whether person has the MC1R gene varient or not.

~~~ morgannia

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

IRELAND

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

Ireland, Scotland, Scandanavia.

Mostly northern and northeastern Europe.

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

Red hair is a strong trait in both Scotland and Ireland, but I could not state that is where it originated.

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

celtic pride.. type in origin of red heads.. see that and smile you red heads..

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

Scotland %26amp; Ireland.

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

To second what Morgannia said, I always see a Chinese girl in my neighborhood who has naturally red hair. It's incredible! I don't know her personally but I don't think that she's mixed.

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

I can't verify this or find citation, but once I read that all persons with red hair can be traced genetically back to the Vikings.

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

i have red hair, green eyes, freckles........ i am part irish and part cherokee..... but took to the irish side

Where did red hair and freckles originate from?

people who sold their soul and got gingevitus hence the name ginger kids

red hair came from people reproducting with close relatives that is why people with red hair look funny