Why Do Churches Have Red Carpets

The color is used to grab attention which is why it s also used on fire trucks and road signs.

Why do churches have red carpets.

Red is a common color for church sanctuary carpets. Nor do they typically know how to properly re install them. In our culture today red is mostly seen as a color that attracts viewers. In the greek tragedy agamemnon when the king returns home from war his wife offers a floor of crimson broideries to spread for the king s path in other words.

But the red carpet in its most modern incarnation first came into being in 1902 when the new york city railroad used crimson carpets to welcome passengers on an express upper class train from new york to chicago. Some pews have a concealed anchor system instead of l brackets to secure the pew to the floor. Artech s experience which spans decades and 3 generations in church flooring and carpeting has taught us that church floors are not perfectly level and a pew in the wrong place can wobble. I m not sure why but i have several theories.

Oriental carpets in renaissance painting often show rugs and carpets patterned but with red often the main background colour laid on the steps to a throne or on a dais where rulers or sacred figures are placed. A red carpet was rolled out to a river to welcome the arrival of united states president james monroe in 1821. Was it one of the only colors available. Why did red get so popular.

That s believed to be the origin of the red carpet treatment. I m guessing carpet in the sanctuary is a pretty recent innovation last 75 100 years. Granted jesus can take it he s been through much worse but the red carpet covers a multitude of sins. The practical reason is the church s predilection for klutzy chalice bearers who spill consecrated wine all over the rug.

Artists such as henri matisse mark rothko and renoir incorporated red for emotional impact as well.