A Closer Look at the Red Front Door Meaning and History
The red front door meaning has varied throughout time according to geography and cultural influences. As a bold and vibrant hue, red has always been eye-catching. Maybe this is one reason red doors have become imbued with symbolic importance (carried such symbolic weight). Learn all the various red door meanings across time and cultures to see what your own red door is saying.
Red Door Meaning in Early History
Red doors have been a meaningful symbol since ancient times. In early Chinese and Japanese society, red paint was used on shrines because it was an auspicious color that protected against evil spirits. Early building codes also allowed the use of red doors on the homes of high-ranking government officials.
In the Middle Ages in Europe, red doors were common in churches as a sign of sanctuary and as a symbol of wealth and status in the homes of the wealthy. This practice was replicated across the colonial United States. This reason was partly practical as red paint was the most stable and the least expensive to produce. During the colonial era, red doors were a sign of welcome and rest as they signified a safe place for travelers. This had particular significance during the American Civil War when red doors marked safe havens for enslaved people who were escaping along the Underground Railroad.
Red Front Door Symbolism Today
The meaning that we associate with red doors has a deep connection with beliefs of the past.
Red Front Door Meaning in Feng Shui
Eastern cultures throughout Asia still believe in the powerful symbolism of a red front door. In feng shui belief, the front door is the mouth of good energy into your home. Red attracts good luck and wealth. Red doors also represent the fire element. The energy of the fire element is powerful, creative, and assertive. Red front doors are meaningful if you want to invite these qualities into your life. Red front doors are particularly auspicious on south-facing homes as these are associated with the fire element.
Red Front Doors as a Symbol of Freedom
Bright colors on the home like red front doors have been used to represent freedom and rebellion. Irish legend teaches that when Queen Victoria’s husband Albert died, she ordered the Irish people to paint their doors black. Instead, they painted them in bright colors like red to show their defiance of British rule. While this story is more likely urban legend than fact, it is true that red front doors are common throughout Ireland.
Another popular Scottish urban legend regarding red doors is that they symbolized freedom from a mortgage. As the story goes, when a homeowner finished their last house payment, they would celebrate by painting the door red. Again, this tradition likely has little basis in historical fact, but it doesn’t diminish the charming style of cottages with red front doors across Britain.
Red Front Doors as a Symbol of Safety and Sacrifice
Many churches throughout the world still feature red front doors. These symbolized the sacrifice of blood through which people can enter rest. These doors also represent protection and comfort.
The vibrant and warm tones of a red front door are an excellent way to help give your home a cheerful and welcoming appearance. Just as red doors in the past symbolized a place where weary travelers could rest, they can create the same environment in your home.