The Origin of the Red Carpet: A Journey Through Time
The iconic red carpet, synonymous with glitz, glamour, and opulence, has a rich history that stretches back over **2,500 years**. Here’s how it all began:
Ancient Greece: The earliest known mention of the red carpet dates back to ancient Greece. In the play “Agamemnon” by the Greek playwright Aeschylus (written around 458 BC), King Agamemnon’s vengeful wife, Clytemnestra, prepares for his triumphant return from the Trojan War. She rolls out a path of dark red tapestries to welcome him home. Interestingly, even the King hesitates to walk on this “crimson path,” considering it a privilege fit for gods rather than mortals. His caution foreshadows a tragic fate, as documented by the BBC.
Renaissance Art: During the Renaissance era, red carpets frequently appeared in artworks. These carpets, often Oriental and intricately patterned, adorned paintings featuring saints, kings, queens, and deities. The color red was closely associated with prestige, royalty, and aristocracy. Scarlet, in particular, was prized for its rarity and difficulty in production. Cochineal or carmine dye, derived from the cochineal scale insect, was used to create this luxurious hue. The Aztec and Maya civilizations in North and Central America utilized cochineal dye for coloring fabrics, and by the 17th century, it became a highly valued export.
Red Carpet Treatment: The phrase “red carpet treatment” also has historical roots. It emerged in the early 20th century when the red carpet was co-opted by railroads. However, its association with high status persisted. In 1821, in Georgetown, South Carolina, US President James Monroe was welcomed ashore from a riverboat with a red carpet.
Hollywood’s Influence: Fast-forward to Hollywood’s golden age in the 1920s and 1930s. As the film industry gained prominence, movie premieres became events where celebrities showcased their sartorial prowess. In 1922, Hollywood showman Sid Grauman introduced the red carpet into celebrity culture. He rolled out a crimson footing for the actors and actresses at Hollywood’s first-ever movie premiere for “Robin Hood” at the Egyptian Theatre. Since then, the red carpet has become synonymous with movie stars, who now embody the royalty of today. The picture houses of the mid-20th century transformed into palaces for the people, and the red carpet welcomed film royalty.
Sources: bbc.com; mindlessmag.com; styleplusehub.com; redcarpetsystems.com; wwd.com;
Image Sources: shutterstock.com