There’s nothing more American than a red barn in a green field. But have you ever wondered what’s the origin of this tradition?
Well, there are many theories out there, but most of them are just myths.
Here’s the real deal. (the article continues after the ad)
Hundreds of years ago, farmers painted their barns with linseed oil to help seal the wood and keep it from rotting. Iron oxide (rust) was mixed with the oil to keep fungi and moss from growing on the wood. This turned the oil red which gave the barn a its distinctive red color.
Barns today are still painted red in honor of that tradition.
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Main Article Photo: TumblingRun / Flickr
Sources: Why Are Barns Painted Red? | Why Are Barns Traditionally Painted Red?
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