Why is the "red light district" so named?

Question

Here's one for the weirdos in all of us, why is it that a red light district is so called and is associated with prostitution? i mean i know this is weird but surely there is a reason behind it..

Answer 1

A red-light district is a neighborhood where prostitution is a common part of everyday life. The term was first recorded in the United States and derives from the practice of placing a red light in the window to indicate to customers the nature of the business.


A railroad brakeman's signal lanternThere are several explanations as to why red lights gained this particular meaning. According to one theory, it is based on the Biblical story of Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho who aided the spies of Joshua and identified her house with a scarlet rope. Others claim that it comes from the red lanterns carried by railroad workers, which were left outside brothels when the workers entered. Another story is that the prostitutes that worked Amsterdam tried to lure fishermen with their light. And because the white lights blend in too much with the other lights they used red cloth to give their lights another color.

One of the many terms used for a red-light district in Japanese is akasen (赤線), literally meaning "red-line", apparently of independent origins from the English term.

Answer 2

A red-light district is a neighborhood where prostitution is a common part of everyday life. The term was first recorded in the United States and derives from the practice of placing a red light in the window to indicate to customers the nature of the business.

Answer 3

Because to show that a house was that of prostitutes it would have a red light outside. Such 'businesses' tend to end up in one area, hence an area with lots of brothels becomes a red light 'district'

Answer 4

Houses of Ill-Repute used to have a red lamp indicating their location. The stigma took and locations that are affiliated with seeder activities, (strip clubs, etc), are now known as red-light districts.

Answer 5

Because of the Red Lights that are on behind that girls that stand in the windows. Red light...they are available....I went there a few years ago...it was a really really neat place...

Answer 6

The red light in the window of a house used to be the sign or advertisement for a brothel/lady of negotiable affection...

Answer 7

A red light is more subdued in a private sense and more inviting than a bright white light

Answer 8

I think its because to signal that they were open for business, brothels would hang a red lantern outside their door. Also people tend to look healthier in a red glow.

Answer 9

i think it is something to do with the fact that the women used to stand under Red Lights as it does not show bruises, scars etc.