Red lipstick has had a surprisingly long history as a symbol of beauty, power, and rebellion.
In ancient Egypt, the aristocracy, both men and women, colored their lips red to display their status. In contrast, in ancient Greece, women were discouraged from wearing red lip paint as it was associated with prostitutes.
During the Middle Ages, the red-lip look fell out of favor in Europe due to religious opposition. Red lip coloring briefly regained popularity in 16th-century England when Queen Elizabeth I famously colored her lips a bright red hue. However, in 1770, fears of witchcraft led to the passing of a law that punished women who wore makeup to seduce men into marriage.
Red lips gained new meaning with the women’s suffrage movement, symbolizing women’s rebellious spirit and the fight for women’s rights. During World War II, it became a symbol of patriotic femininity, with shades like “Victory Red” becoming popular among female soldiers. After WWII, Hollywood made red lipstick a fashion staple.
Hannah Kim For The Junior Times junior/1717462450/1613367831
1. How was red lipstick used in ancient Egypt and Greece?
2. Why did red lipstick fall out of favor during the Middle Ages? What is said about red lipstick in the 16th century?
3. What happened in 1770? What happened to red lips with the women’s suffrage movement?
4. What was red lipstick during and after World War II?
1. What do you think of red lipstick?
2. What do you think about wearing makeup? How should it be applied?
3. What do you think about women's suffrage?
4. How did the World Wars impact the world?
Red lipstick has had a surprisingly long history as a symbol of beauty, power, and rebellion.
