Unusual Ribbon Colors and Their Meanings

Using ribbons to represent a cause has become a popular thing in recent years. Some claim that the use of the yellow ribbon started the fad. When certain colors ribbons are displayed, such as yellow, red, pink or black, we automatically know what they represent. How about less known colors, or those the are used less frequently? Next time you see one of these colors, you will know what cause they support.

Purple

With more than 5 million people in the people suffering from Alzheimer's, purple has become the color of choice for representing patients with this disease. The color purple is also used for domestic violence prevention and support.

Brown

Brown was chosen as the color of choice for tobacco prevention and awareness campaigns. No one seems to know why brown as chosen. Could it be for the cigarettes color themselves or some other reason, such as what they turn lungs brown? Another less know cause that the brown ribbons support is for colon cancer.

Blue

The campaign for free speech has adopted the blue ribbon. The blue ribbon free speech campaign include Internet free speech as well, including blogging rights. In the past, the blue ribbon was a insignia of any business that had received a high quality mark.

Teal

Ovarian cancer prevention and awareness has adopted the teal ribbon as their color choice. Breast cancer and the color pink receive a lot of worthy attention. Awareness is starting to focus on ovarian cancer prevention, as 1 in 77 women are now diagnosed with the illness. An alternate teal ribbon use is for substance abuse.

Orange

In July of 2000, the National Lupus Foundation jumped on the color ribbon bandwagon and declared orange as their representative color. They named their orange ribbon campaign, "Get Into the Loop." It seems a lot of people with Lupus aren't aware that orange is the color of choice, and have been left out of the loop. Leukemia has also used the orange ribbon for support causes.

Rainbow Ribbon

As most colors are used, some groups are opting for multi colored or patterned ribbons to represent their cause. Gay and lesbian right activists are using a multi colored rainbow ribbon. However, the rainbow is better known as a representation of Jessie Jackson's political group, called the Rainbow Coalition.

Stars and Stripes Ribbon

Some believe that the 9/11 stars and stripes ribbon appeared as early as one day after the tragedy. A graphic artist by the name of Robert M. West, created an on line artwork showing a candle and a ribbon tied around it. That first ribbon was red, white and blue. Now, either type of ribbon represents the 9/11 tragedy. This is the only use of the stars and stripes ribbon noted.

Whether we are tying yellow ribbons around oak trees to wait for a loved ones return, or wearing a purple ribbon in support of a loved one with Alzheimers, ribbons have taken on a special place in our hearts. The trend of using ribbons to represent a cause is ever increasing.

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