Perhaps no hue in carpeting history is so legendary as one: the red carpet. We have come to know it as the domain of modern celebrity, those stars who are closer to royalty than anything else. But the red carpet was not Hollywood's invention. Rather, it was a centuries-old tradition of delineating classes. Here are a few interesting facts about this special event carpeting:
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Its earliest appearance in history dates back to ancient Greece. In Aeschylus' play Agamemnon, even a King hesitated to tread upon a crimson tapestry meant for him. Though he was a warrior returning home from the Trojan War, he didn't want to step on the red carpet because he was only a mere mortal. In fact, he was said to have met a bitter end when he did finally set foot upon it.
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A more recent connection with fame and the red carpet is found in the travel arena. In 1821, the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe, walked upon a red carpet at his arrival by riverboat to South Carolina.
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Train interiors are still frequently laid with red carpets to demarcate first class ticket passengers.
- It wasn't until the Roaring Twenties that Hollywood jumped on board. In 1922, Sid Grauman laid a red carpet at the famed Egyptian Theater for the movie premiere of "Robin Hood." The rest, as they say, is now history.
These days, red carpets can be found in many public places, including cruise ships, movie theaters, progressive architectural buildings, and upscale events. No longer reserved for only celebrity, royalty, or deity, a red carpet just makes one feel special to walk upon.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet For You
Bloomsburg Carpet, Inc. manufactures quality carpets in a variety of colorways and styles. For more information about carpeting for your space, contact us today!
For more information about the finest custom hospitality carpeting, please contact us today!
