Meaning: I'll dye my petticoat

Subject: RE: I'll dye my petticoat
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 04:16 PM

Was 'Madder' used for red?

Subject: RE: I'll dye my petticoat
From: Emma B
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 04:03 PM

In the Lichtbob's Lassie

I'll dye my petticoats red
Yface them with the yellow
Tell the dyster's lad
I follow a Lichtbob fellow

It is said that, as red was a dye colour that was cheap to produce, it was often used to dye women's flannel petticoats.
These being the garment of the poor were often attributed to prostitiutes but would also probably have been worn by the camp followers - the numerous women (and their children!) who followed their husbands and partners on campaigns and often provideding the services of laundresses, mending clothing, cooking meals and nursing the wounded.

'Camp followers were not from any select social class. Officers' wives and mistresses accompanied them on the march. Women of more learned background, however, were also able to provide services such as copying correspondence, knitting and managing field hospitals

Women and children's names were submitted to the commanding officers and these camp followers were entitled to receive a portion of a ration.
Those women less formally affiliated with the soldiers relied on the soldier to give up a portion of his own rations or she had to fend for herself. Quite often, women who suddenly found themselves far from home and widowed quickly remarried one of her husband's comrades'

Subject: RE: I'll dye my petticoat
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:49 PM

No idea in that specific context. But I always understood the red petticoat, to be traditionally associated with Irish country women, and travellers or tinkers in particular? Perhaps there may be a connexion.

Subject: RE: I'll dye my petticoat
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 02:56 PM

I always assumed it was the prostitute image being conjured in that line. But I did a google.

Think the following is mostly speculation but supports your idea.
see last but one paragraph.
Uni of Idaho paper

This seems more researched and based on visual evidence namely 17th centuray dutch paintings.
Puritans wore red petticoats

Subject: I'll dye my petticoat
From: GUEST,Lotusland
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 02:21 PM

In "Johnny's Gone for a Soldier," the singer says,

"I'll die my petticoat, dye it red
And go out in the world and beg my bread
Until my parents wish me dead.
Johnny's gone for a soldier."

What is the significance of dying her petticoat red? Is it to commemorate the fallen soldiers or is she supplementing her begging with prostitution?