Why does Saudi Arabia welcome VIPs with a purple carpet?

In May 2021, the Saudi Ministry of Culture made an intriguing announcement, stating that they would replace traditional red carpets with purple carpets when welcoming guests in the future. This decision holds deeper cultural significance and is rooted in the scarcity and historical monopolization of red and purple colors and related products by the Saudi royal family due to their high cost.

The shift to purple carpets in Saudi Arabia is not motivated by cost reduction but rather aims to highlight the specific cultural meaning associated with the color purple. The Saudi Ministry of Culture emphasized that the inspiration for the purple carpet comes from the vibrant purple flowers that bloom every spring in the southern Asir region. The region's Southern Tablelands and mountain areas are adorned with violets, lavender, Desert German, and Jacaranda Trees during this season. Notably, the capital of Asir Province, Abha, is almost engulfed in rows of violets.

As part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to promote its "2030 Vision" and develop the tourism industry, Asir stands out as a popular tourist destination due to its mountainous terrain and lush climate, which contrasts the traditional desert perception of the country. The jacaranda tree, an emblematic plant in Asir Province, is known as one of the most beautiful trees globally. When it blooms, it exhibits captivating purple flowers and emits a fragrant aroma throughout the city. These factors have contributed to the selection of purple carpets as a symbolic representation of Asir's natural beauty.

Moreover, the edges of Saudi purple carpets incorporate elements of the traditional al Sadu weaving technique. Sadu refers to the traditional textiles created by Bedouin women and has been recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. The term "Sadu" means horizontal weaving in Arabic, and it involves the use of natural fibers such as cotton wool, goat hair, and camel hair on ground looms. These fabrics feature predominantly red, brown, and black colors, with striped geometric patterns that reflect the desert environment in which the Bedouin people reside.

While Sadu weaving techniques are prevalent in the Gulf region, they hold particular significance in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The knowledge and skills associated with Sadu weaving have been traditionally passed down by elderly Bedouin women, who play a vital role in preserving this cultural heritage. Nowadays, Sadu has transitioned from being primarily functional to becoming a symbol of profound traditions and culture.

Interestingly, although Sadu extensively employs the color red, the traditional red dye used in Sadu weaving is not locally produced. It is derived from the extract of the roots and stems of the madder plant found along the Mediterranean coast. In contrast, Europe relied heavily on Cochineal insects from South America as the primary source of red dye for clothing and carpets, particularly between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Saudi Arabia's adoption of purple carpets as a means of welcoming VIPs is a deliberate choice that reflects the country's cultural heritage, the natural beauty of the Asir region, and the incorporation of traditional weaving techniques. This shift serves to showcase the rich tapestry of Saudi Arabia's history, symbolism, and commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity.

information cited from "Saudi-Eye"