Why "red-handed" means in the act of commiting a crime?

Question

Why "red-handed" means in the act of commiting a crime?
red is special?

Answer 1

'To be taken with red hand' in ancient times was to be caught in the act, like a murderer, his hands red with his victim's blood. The use of 'red hand' in this sense goes back to 15th century Scotland and Scottish law. Scott's 'Ivanhoe' has the first recorded use of 'taken red-handed' for someone apprehended in the act of committing a crime. Not long after, the expression became more common as 'caught red-handed.'" From "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997), Page 135-136

Answer 2

Red-handed in the sense of blood on the hands.

Answer 3

Red is the colour of blood. That is why if you are caught near a dead body with your hands covered in red blood, you are immediately going to be suspected!

Answer 4

Hmm... never thought to think of what it meant. Should be interesting to find out...
P.S. I like Matt's answer (lol).
Actually, now that I've thought about it... I thought it meant caught in the act... not having to do w/blood on the hands. I can see how it originated w/someone having blood on the hands. Thx!

Answer 5

Red = blood.
If you're caught with blood on your hands, then it is obvious you committed the murder.

Shinichi, you seem to ask many questions pertaining to idioms. This site ( http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/index.html ) is a good place to find explanations on most of them.

Answer 6

Why not Blue-Handed or Green-Handed...hmmm....Red is more of an error color though....Stop Signs = Red, Stop Lights = Red,
Do Not Enter = Red, Hand that steals stuff = Red....lolz ;)

Answer 7

blood on your hands

Answer 8

means you have the stolen goods in your possession

Answer 9

busted

Answer 10

CAUGHT IN ACTUALLY DOING IT..............