Red Corner

The red corner was the most important place in the peasant hut. A prie-dieu containing one or more icons decorated with embroidered towels, the red corner was regarded as a form of private chapel, where the members of the family prayed. The word “red” did not necessarily imply a specific colour in the Russian language. It was also a synonym for “beautiful,” “principal” and “important.” Such expressions as “red corner,” “red carpet” and Red Square in Moscow were intended to express the beauty or significance of these particular objects or places. The red corner was thus the most important and beautiful part of the peasant house.