It can be stipulated that they painted animals in red ochre or iron oxide to conjure their fertility. Protective powers of the color red against evil influence were common belief. Objects, animals and trees were covered in red paint, warriors painted their axes and spear-catapults red to endow the weapons with magic powers. Some of the Australian aborigines abide by this custom up to the present times. Neolithic hunters and germanic warriors used to paint their weapons and even themselves in blood of slain animals.
Roman gladiators drank blood of their dying adversaries to take over their strength.
In other cultures, the newly born were bathed in blood of particularly strong and good looking animals. Wearing a red ruby was supposed to bring about invincibility. Phoenix unifies the destructive symbol of fire associated with war and hate with its rebirth and its life-giving powers. Phoenix surrenders to fire and steps out of it cleansed and endowed with a new life. Red garlands and red scarfs were part of wedding customs in many cultures.