Final answer:
In Puritan England, severe punishments weren't for wearing red specifically but for a range of behaviors deemed immoral or indicative of witchcraft. Puritanical code, rooted in fears of devilry and social conformity, led to events like the Salem witch trials and repression of festive culture. Their moral standards could have included repercussions for wearing conspicuous colors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wearing red in Puritan England did not in itself lead to arrest and possible execution, but the severe Puritan moral code did result in harsh punishments for a range of behaviors and actions they deemed immoral or indicative of witchcraft. The strict Puritanical code arose from the Puritans' belief in the supernatural, with every event seen as a sign of God's mercy or judgment. Puritans feared witchcraft, associating it with the work of the devil, and they executed many suspected witches during the Salem witch trials in 1692 after a period of intense social stress including Native wars and political upheaval.
Another element contributing to potential punishment was the Puritans' desire for societal reform based on their religious beliefs, which included denouncing popular pastimes and advocating for austere, devout lifestyles. They also viewed luxury, and by extension certain colors or fabrics associated with luxury or festive activities, as corrupting influences. For example, lavish expenditures on mourning were deemed inappropriate, reflecting their larger stance against luxury and decadence. The Puritan leadership in New England, such as Increase Mather and John Cotton, emphasized the necessity of a rigorous lifestyle devoted to hard work and prayer, always being vigilant for agents of the devil.
While wearing red was not specifically mentioned as a punishable offense, it was the overall strict and repressive nature of Puritan society that led to severe repercussions for a wide array of activities and appearances that deviated from their moral standards, which could, depending on the context, include wearing conspicuous colors like red.