View source for Red dye

Several dense red [[dyes]] were used in [[period]], including [[madder]], and [[brazilwood]]. With [[madder]] [[dyebath]]s, the same pot of coloured [[water]] would be used until it was nearly colourless. Thus the first few [[fabric]]s dyed would be a brilliant dark red, and the last few a pale pink colour. As such, dark/dense reds were for the richer people (or at least the more expensive clothes of the poor), while pink was a colour for
cheaper fabrics (mostly). 
See also: [[syrian rue]]