Bullfighting is a well-known and controversial tradition in Spain. Many believe that the movement of the red cloth held by the torero drives the bull into a rage. This has led to the stereotype that one should not be near bulls while wearing red clothing or accessories. But does the color red really provoke such a reaction in bulls?
Bulls are not bothered by the color red at all. In fact, there is very little evidence that any color can influence the psyche of these animals. Moreover, bulls, like other ungulates, have dichromatic vision. This means they have two different types of cones (retinal cells) that are responsible for color perception. One type of cone responds to short wavelengths, being most sensitive to the blue-violet part of the light spectrum. The second type perceives medium and long wavelengths — yellowish-green.
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However, experiments show that bulls can distinguish different shades of red, but none of the tests conducted have established a link between the color red and aggression. For example, in 2007, the Discovery Channel show “MythBusters” decided to test this myth. They made bulls attack three mannequins dressed in white, blue, and red clothing. The bulls showed no preference for the mannequin in red; they simply charged at all three figures.
So what is the secret?
It’s not about the color, but about the movements of the torero and the fabric. Moreover, the bulls involved in bullfighting belong to a very aggressive breed, and they are raised in such a way that any sudden movements provoke aggression in them. This breed is bred and trained to be aggressive, especially in confined spaces where they cannot escape.
If the cape were any other color, the bull would still attack it. Therefore, if one torero is dressed in red and stands still, while another is dressed in any other color but moves actively, the bull will certainly charge at the one who is moving.
