This is hide #2 of my Wizard of Oz series:
Brief History of Slippers
Slippers, soft and comfortable indoor footwear, date back to ancient times. Evidence of early slipper-like shoes has been found in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Native American cultures. In China, as early as 4700 BCE, people wore slippers made of cotton or woven rush, often adorned with symbols like dragons. The Victorians popularized more decorative and plush slippers in the 19th century, emphasizing comfort and indoor elegance.
The Ruby Slippers in The Wizard of Oz
In L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s magical shoes were silver. However, when MGM adapted the story into the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the slippers were changed to a dazzling ruby red. This decision was made to showcase the new Technicolor technology, as the vibrant red stood out dramatically against the yellow brick road and other colorful sets. The ruby color became iconic, symbolizing magic, home, and hope in popular culture.