Oriental Rugs in Literature and Lore
Oriental rugs aren’t just on our floors – they are part of our culture, and have been woven into our literature, history, and fables for centuries. We read of the royal family having beautiful oriental rugs decorating their halls and rooms in one book, and something as absurd as a person rolling up in a carpet as a means of sneaking in unnoticed in another. From the time we are small, carpets are something we hear about to represent wealth, elegance, honor, subterfuge, drama, and comfort.
Take Aladdin for example. He is nothing but a poor “streetrat” but he then finds a magic lamp and with it comes a magic oriental carpet. No matter how much the magic carpet gets tattered, torn, dirty, etc. it still helps Aladdin become the hero of the story. Not only is that entertaining but it echoes the actual durability of a real-life handwoven carpet.
The classic thief or rescuer sneaks into the fortress by hiding inside a rolled rug – never mind that a person pinned inside one could never get out without help, or the fact that they’d make an unmistakable bump (can’t you just hear the movers complaining of the weight?). As part of a fairy tale though, it seems romantic, and no less believable than the rest of the story.
The original “red carpet” was oriental. Hand woven, expensive, and representative of allowing the honored person to walk upon your finest treasure. Carpeted stairs are also referred to in older literature, in only the most elegant settings.
In the entertainment world, no palace is complete without the Oriental rug to lend authenticity to the story. Especially in enactments which involve the times of Kings, pharaohs, or other royalty. Palaces are depicted lined with oriental rugs whether it be on the floor or on the walls. They add prestige to the palace as they enhance the décor, as well as bestowing a benefit which we do not think of in our modern world of caulk and storm windows – that of insulation, and wind barriers! Palaces were drafty, and rugs and tapestries helped alleviate some of the chill. In times when kings and pharaohs ruled you would expect to find oriental rugs in a real palace.
An oriental rug doesn’t just add visual appeal to a room, it also brings with it history, folklore, entertainment, prestige and mystery. When selecting your rug, think about how you would feel walking on the Persian rug down the stairs while every person in the room holds their breath to watch you make a regal entrance. Once you find the one that gives you that great feeling, buy it and place it where you can experience it again and again.