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What Is a Redheaded Stepchild?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

The phrase “treat someone like a redheaded stepchild” is often used to indicate ostracizing or unfairly abusing a person. The origin of the phrase seems lost to history, but may have something to do with long-time cultural prejudices against both red haired people, and step or illegitimate children. “A redheaded stepchild” is often contextually used to describe a person that is seen as an embarrassment or a liability, or to describe a person or thing that is treated cruelly for reasons outside of its control.

Red hair has long been associated with a fiery disposition, but this is far from the only negative quality historically attributed to redheads. Some early cultures, including Ancient Greece, associated red hair with vampirism. Not surprisingly, red hair is often associated with blood; medieval Europeans believed that being born with red hair was a result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating, which was considered sinful and unclean.

Queen Elizabeth I was a redheaded stepchild.
Queen Elizabeth I was a redheaded stepchild.

The association of illicit sex resulting in red hair may be responsible for the literary concept of the redheaded stepchild. In modern usage, “stepchild” usually refers to the relationship between a new spouse and the children of his or her partner from a previous union. It is possible, however, that the term might once have included a broader definition of offspring, such as children born out of wedlock or those conceived through affairs. The idea of a stepchild can thus be linked with the illicit implications of red hair, possibly creating the impetus for the ostracization and abuse associated with the term “redheaded stepchild.”

Many Europeans once believed that babies born with red hair were the result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
Many Europeans once believed that babies born with red hair were the result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.

Beyond the possibility of sinful conception, the motif of the redheaded stepchild may also draw its history from a long literary and historical tradition linking stepchildren or illegitimate children with a threat to inheritance lines. Particularly in noble circles, the presence of a stepchild or illegitimate child posed a severe threat to those due to inherit property, money, or even thrones. William Shakespeare made ample use of the image of the duplicitous illegitimate child in several of his plays, including with the character of Edmund the Bastard in King Lear, and John the Bastard in Much Ado About Nothing. Fairy tales featuring characters such as Snow White and Cinderella also stress the potential conflict between stepparents and stepchildren, by exploiting the fear that the children from a previous union will prevent heirs from a second union from inheriting.

Medieval Europeans believed that being born with red hair was a result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
Medieval Europeans believed that being born with red hair was a result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.

Possibly the most famous redheaded stepchild in history is the flame-haired Queen Elizabeth I of England. Conceived shortly before the marriage of King Henry VIII and his mistress, Anne Boleyn, the future Queen Elizabeth suffered the mistrust of her people as a child, many of whom despised her mother. After the execution of Anne Boleyn, King Henry went so far as to declare Elizabeth illegitimate, removing her from the line of succession for many years. Elizabeth spent much of her youth completely ostracized by the English court, even being thrown in jail by her stepsister, Queen Mary, who feared that Elizabeth would try to steal the throne. It is a measure of pride to many modern redheads that Elizabeth survived her many trials to become one of England's greatest monarchs.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon989310

Yes, it is cruel but why would people such as the ones you mention be the kind of people I'd want to be friends with to begin with. I don't like cliques. The herd mentality is a sad thing. I always had friends in school but we were all independent also.

anon355643

i believe that to black ball someone is cruel. It takes away part of their life. Other ways of thinking of this subject is to say, a whole group of people do not forgive. Very sad! But if your life has been turned over to Jesus Christ, it may work to your benefit. You can think differently, go after knowledge, be kind to everyone. turn the whole situation around and be thankful.

They are a clique, and you are independent. Sometimes I get sad, but there are a lot of people in this world who would love to just enjoy your company, like in senior centers.

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    • Queen Elizabeth I was a redheaded stepchild.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      Queen Elizabeth I was a redheaded stepchild.
    • Many Europeans once believed that babies born with red hair were the result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Many Europeans once believed that babies born with red hair were the result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
    • Medieval Europeans believed that being born with red hair was a result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
      By: reineg
      Medieval Europeans believed that being born with red hair was a result of being conceived while a woman was menstruating.
    • Red hair has long been associated with a fiery disposition.
      By: juliajj
      Red hair has long been associated with a fiery disposition.