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.
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.
The kingdom’s sprawling desert landscape, as well as its plateaus during the Spring, when it is adorned with the lavender flower, and other plants such as elm and basil, which together form a natural purple cover, which nature gives to man, a beautiful sight that attracts the onlookers.
The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s transformation, driven by Vision 2030, and its aspirations for the future.
Wild lavender flowers are a celebrated symbol across the Kingdom. They add a hue of color amid the harsh desert landscape, reflecting their strength and inherent beauty– a metaphor for the Saudi resilience.
The lavender carpets are trimmed with traditional Al Sadu patterns, incorporating the unique Saudi weaving craft that is listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peoplesmind
