Red Carpet Treatment

As we “walk” our way through this week to the Oscars on Sunday, your Two Chums thought it would be fun to explore how the “red carpet” concept came into being.

The earliest known reference to walking a red carpet in literature is in the play Agamemnon by Aeschylus, written in 458 BC.  That particular red carpet was not a great one to walk down as it was prepared by a wife for her philandering husband to walk down and then to be murdered when he got to the end of it!   Not a red carpet any of us would want to step foot on!

What really cemented the red carpet tradition that we know and see today were the railroads. Passengers in New York and Chicago who rode the 20th Century Limited train walked on and off the train via a plush red carpet, adding to the luxury and uniqueness of each trip.

Nowadays, a physical red carpet is rolled out for  VIP’s and celebrities alike.  You will often see a red carpet running from airplane stairways to greet for Presidents, Kings and Queens.  Obviously, it is a great sign of respect, the world over, and immediately welcomes the VIP who is stepping onto it.

Most of us will never walk on a red carpet BUT we can always make sure that we give “red carpet treatment” to all who come into our home.  It symbolizes hospitality and warmth….it tells people that we have respect for them and want to give them the very best.

Roll out a mental red carpet for all who enter your front (or back) door.  It will be felt, we can assure you.  The love with which it is done, will produce joy to all who enter.

See you on the red carpet!