TURKEY RED Meaning and
Definition
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Turkey red is a term that refers to a specific vibrant shade of crimson red used in textiles. The name "turkey red" originated from the historical process of dyeing textiles with a madder plant, commonly grown in Turkey and surrounding regions, to achieve this vivid hue. The process involved multiple stages of dyeing and treatment, resulting in a color that was known for its durability and resistance to fading.
To create turkey red, textiles were typically soaked in a dye bath made from the roots of the madder plant. This was followed by additional treatments involving the use of alum or tin salts and exposure to sunlight to fix and oxidize the color, enhancing its intensity and fastness. This intricate dyeing process made turkey red one of the most sought-after and expensive colors for fabrics in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The distinctive shade of turkey red often exhibited an orange undertone, giving it a warm and rich appearance. It became popular in various forms of textile production, including carpets, upholstery, and printed cotton fabrics.
Due to advancements in synthetic dye technology, the traditional method of achieving turkey red gradually declined in the early 20th century. However, the term "turkey red" continues to be used to describe this particular shade of red, reminding us of its historical significance and the craftsmanship involved in creating such a vibrant and long-lasting color.
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A fine durable red produced from madder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TURKEY RED
- rurkey red
- furkey red
- gurkey red
- yurkey red
- 6urkey red
- 5urkey red
- tyrkey red
- thrkey red
- tjrkey red
- tirkey red
- t8rkey red
- t7rkey red
- tuekey red
- tudkey red
- tufkey red
- tutkey red
- tu5key red
- tu4key red
- turjey red
Etymology of TURKEY RED
The term "Turkey red" originally referred to a vivid red color, often used in dyeing textiles. Despite the name, it did not originate from Turkey but instead has its roots in India.
The technique to produce Turkey red dye was known in India as early as the 13th century. Its original name was "Laal", which means red in Sanskrit. The dyeing process involved using a specifically cultivated species of madder root, known as Rubia tinctorum, which yields a deep and vibrant red color.
During the 17th century, India began exporting dyed textiles, including the vibrant red fabrics, to Europe. The fabric became highly sought after and gained popularity, especially in Western countries. European traders would ship these textiles through the Ottoman Empire, leading to the misconception that the cloth came from Turkey, hence the name "Turkey red".
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