We’re settling in to our new home at Ellison, and getting to like our new red doors more and more. Since the fire marshal required us to get a big metal door we thought the least we can do is have it painted an interesting color. Why red? In addition to the color having a nice tie-in to our Red Dot blog, it seems red doors have a mostly positive significance. For example:
- A red door means Welcome according to an early American tradition.
- In Ireland a red door is meant to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.
- According to Feng Shui, a red door is the mouth through which positive energy and opportunities enter.
- In China a red door signifies Good Luck.
- For people fleeing via the Underground Railroad a red door indicated a safe house.
One interpretation that doesn’t apply: In Scotland a red door indicates that the house is paid off and mortgage-free. Not us! And here’s a good red door anecdote: apparently Albert Einstein’s front door was painted red as he otherwise couldn’t recognize his house. Welcome Professor Einstein! And welcome to all our new neighbours and colleagues – please stop by and say hello.