Why does a Red lamp or light indicate a prostitute? what is the origin of this?

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. [citation needed]

There 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. [citation needed]
A railway brakeman's signal lantern
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A railway brakeman's signal lantern

Others claim that it comes from the red lanterns carried by railway workers, which were left outside brothels when the workers entered, so that they could be quickly located for any needed train movement. [citation needed]

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. In different cultures red-light districts are identified differently, the most common being "district of prostitutes" (i.e. in Hindi - Randi Guli or Street of Prostitutes; in Bengali - Khanki Para or Neighbourhood of Prostitutes.

Answer 2

According to the Origin of Phrases site, the term "red-light district" dates back to the railroading days around the beginning of the 20th century. Railroad crews used red lanterns for signaling and lighting, and most crew members carried one with them as they left the train yard. When they paid a visit to a working girl, the men would leave the lantern on the porch of the prostitute's house while they were inside, probably to signal that she was busy.

The Phrase Finder bulletin board offers another explanation, stating the term dates back to the 1890s. Prostitutes would put red shades on candles and electric lamps, and place these lights in their windows to advertise their trade. This practice has continued to the present day in some places, most notably in Amsterdam. The city's red-light district is locally called the Walletjes or Wallen (both referring to the walls) or Rosse buurt (meaning the red or pink neighborhood). In the Netherlands, prostitution has long been accepted, and it's been legalized and regulated for some time. Amsterdam's red-light district is full of windows glowing red, where prostitutes stand partially clothed to attract business.

Answer 3

Im not sure if this is the origin, but Amsterdam has an area called the red light district which going back to like the 1800's is where the had the brothels, etc and now all the prostitutes hang out.

Answer 4

Prostitute Meaning

Answer 5

There 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 railway workers, which were left outside brothels when the workers entered, so that they could be quickly located for any needed train movement.

Answer 6

Ummmmmm-Where can I find a red light district in NY preferably Long Island. What are the costs associated with these services? I've heard the term half and half what exactly does 1/2 and 1/2 mean?

Answer 7

The "red light district" is a term for the streets that prostitutes work from--probably either meaning many stops are made or that they approach their customers when the light is red and traffic is stopped.

Answer 8

because decades ago most all clothes were either black, brown, grey, white or soft yellows as there was little to dye fabrics with except for natural things like nuts, bark, flowers etc. few things were bright and red being the brightest brought attention to whoever was wearing it so prosititues to bring attention to themselves wore red cause no one else did. it became common to put a red cloth in the window and a candle behind it to show sailors etc which houses were houses of ill repute. of course today its still done in some areas but most don't advertise nowadays since its illegal in most states. did you know that two shoes tied together and thrown over a power line in front of a house means they sell illegal drugs there? or a yellow or blue light means the same?

Answer 9

I'm not 100% sure but as far as I know the classic whorehouses have red lights in the bedroom as this should be a little afrodisiac and for a nicer atmosphere.

Answer 10

Meaning Of Brothels