In case you never knew, the idea or concept of red carpet, originates from Africa and not the West – as many have been made to believe for years now.
The orientation of red carpet is used to describe situations where long and large red carpet is unfurled to honor and welcome guests who grace events, usually VIP’s or celebrities. No one seems absolutely sure of the origin of the whole red carpet orientation but the concept of red carpet was first recorded in 485 BC in the ancient Greek story of “Agamemnon” when he returned from Troy.
He was greeted by his vengeful wife, Clytemnestra, with a red color path. However, Agamemnon refused because he felt only the gods were worthy to be greeted with luxuries. From African Mythology – the body of stories associated with a culture, institution or person studies, the concept of red carpet actually started from Africa and not the West.
The act of rolling out clothes unto the floor for revered personalities to walk on was a preserve of people in Africa. During ancient days of Africa, women mostly lay their expensive clothes, usually white clothes, down for Kings, Queens and dignitaries to walk on at social events as a sign of venerable welcome.
Even during marriage ceremonies or when someone being honoured, women unfurled their white clothes unto the floor for the bride and groom or the honouree respectively, to walk on. It was old ladies who usually did so amidst cheers and high spirited applause from all the folks.