Red carpet

When the title character returns from Troy, he is greeted by his wife Clytemnestra who offers him a red path to walk upon: Now, dearest husband, come, step from your chariot.

Servants, do as you have been bidden; Make haste, carpet his way with crimson tapestries, Spread silk before your master’s feet; Justice herself Shall lead him to a home he never hoped to see.

[1] Agamemnon, knowing that only gods walk on such luxury, responds with trepidation: I count it dangerous, being mortal, to set foot On rich embroidered silks.

The praise of fame rings clear without These frills and fancy foot-rugs;[1] Renaissance paintings often show rugs and carpets in oriental patterns, 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.

[2] In 1902, the New York Central Railroad began using plush crimson carpets to direct people as they boarded their 20th Century Limited passenger train.

[11] At the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, the organizers chose a different champagne color for the first time since the red carpet was introduced, as part of an attempt to better reflect a "day event into the night".