The origin of blue eyes has intrigued researchers and enthusiasts for centuries. Of rare beauty and often associated with unique features, blue eyes are far from being a mere aesthetic detail. Genetic and historical studies have uncovered some fascinating clues as to the origin of this peculiarity.
Between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, a unique mutation occurred in the OCA2 gene, which plays a crucial role in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of our hair, skin and eyes. Before this mutation, all humans probably had brown eyes, a colour resulting from a high concentration of melanin in the iris. The mutation altered the expression of this gene, reducing melanin production in the iris and creating the first pair of blue eyes.
This mutation occurred in northern Europe, specifically around the Baltic Sea. As a result of human migration and genetic crossbreeding, blue eyes spread across the continent. Today, blue eyes are most common in Nordic regions and countries such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark, where an estimated 70-80% of the population has this characteristic.
From a scientific point of view, blue eye colour results from light scattering in the iris. Due to the low level of melanin, light entering the iris is scattered, giving a blue appearance similar to that of the sky.
This colour has also given rise to many myths and legends. In ancient times, blue eyes were often seen as a divine or magical sign, conferring supernatural attributes or a unique link with the spirit world.
Today, science continues to investigate genetics' role in transmitting this colour. Understanding the origin of blue eyes is a matter of looking at the colour itself and the history of human evolution and population movements. This unique mutation reminds us how small changes in our DNA can lead to traits we still admire today.
Between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, a unique mutation occurred in the OCA2 gene, which plays a crucial role in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of our hair, skin and eyes. Before this mutation, all humans probably had brown eyes, a colour resulting from a high concentration of melanin in the iris. The mutation altered the expression of this gene, reducing melanin production in the iris and creating the first pair of blue eyes.
This mutation occurred in northern Europe, specifically around the Baltic Sea. As a result of human migration and genetic crossbreeding, blue eyes spread across the continent. Today, blue eyes are most common in Nordic regions and countries such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark, where an estimated 70-80% of the population has this characteristic.
From a scientific point of view, blue eye colour results from light scattering in the iris. Due to the low level of melanin, light entering the iris is scattered, giving a blue appearance similar to that of the sky.
This colour has also given rise to many myths and legends. In ancient times, blue eyes were often seen as a divine or magical sign, conferring supernatural attributes or a unique link with the spirit world.
Today, science continues to investigate genetics' role in transmitting this colour. Understanding the origin of blue eyes is a matter of looking at the colour itself and the history of human evolution and population movements. This unique mutation reminds us how small changes in our DNA can lead to traits we still admire today.
