Have you ever seen different ribbon colors and asked: What does that yellow ribbon tied around that tree mean? Or, why is “so-and-so” wearing that ribbon color?
Ribbons in a large variety of colors are used throughout the year to celebrate and honor many occasions and holidays. Typically ribbon rolls are used to celebrate weddings, birthdays and other party events. Acknowledging achievements is the role of award and rosette ribbons, whereas badge ribbons provide information. However, all ribbons can be used throughout the year and for many different purposes.
The Importance of Ribbon Colors
The color of the ribbon can be important, especially if you are using the ribbon to support the awareness of causes that are important to you. A short ribbon is folded and glued into a loop, with the color determining the meaning. Also, these awareness ribbons can stand for many different things depending on the color. Though color is most important for awareness ribbons, don’t forget choosing colors for badge ribbons and rosettes are just as important.
The Meaning of Ribbon Colors
Colors can influence our thinking, inspire decision-making and impact our moods. So when choosing your ribbon colors, be aware of the common reactions inspired by them.
Black
Black is elegant and shows formality and strength. It is an deep color that can be intimidating, but it exudes authority and makes us feel secure and protected.
Awareness ribbons: Black ribbons generally symbolize mourning, including the loss of a child, POW/MIA, anti-terrorism and gun control. Medically black is used for narcolepsy, sleep disorders and melanoma.
Gray
The calming influence of gray is peaceful, relaxing and soothing. However, it is also a conservative and unemotional color.
Awareness ribbons: Allergies, aphasia, asthma and brain cancer.
White/Pearl/Silver
The purity and lightness of these colors stand for intuition, faith and innocence.
Awareness ribbons: Blindness, bone disease, osteoporosis, postpartum depression, peace, adoption, child exploitation, elderly abuse and violence against women and community.
Blue
Blue is the color of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, protection, intelligence, tranquility, integrity, healing, understanding and devotion.
Awareness ribbons: Assault, abuse, victims of natural disasters, drunk driving, anti-bullying, addiction recovery, cancer, dystonia, education, anti-tobacco, arthritis, free speech and water quality.
Yellow
This bright color inspires thought and curiosity. It is a cheerful and energetic color boosting enthusiasm and confidence.
Awareness ribbons: Hunger, cultural diversity, leukemia, cancer, self-injury awareness, support for troops and suicide prevention.
Orange
Orange exudes warmth and joy, encouraging emotional strength, social communication and creativity.
Awareness ribbons include cultural diversity, leukemia, malnutrition, ADHD and self-injury.
Green
Inspiring harmony and health, green is a warm, relaxing color that helps balance our emotions.
Awareness ribbons supporting the color green: Environmental concerns, depression, growth and rebuilding, literacy, mental health, cerebral palsy and tissue donation.
Brown
Standing for stability and reliability, brown is dependable and comforting.
Awareness ribbons: Disability, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and anti-tobacco.
Red
Red radiates intense, passionate, powerful energies that motivate us to take action. However, red is also a warning and can signal caution and danger.
Awareness ribbons: Burn victims, cardiovascular disease, courage, inspiration, DARE, stroke, AIDS and HIV.
Pink
Pink symbolizes sympathy and compassion; it feels kind and comforting. It communicates love and its friendly and playful spirit calms and nurtures us.
Awareness ribbons: Breast cancer awareness ribbons are among the most recognized. Pink ribbons are also a symbol for birth parents and nursing mothers.
Purple
Purple is the color of spirituality and imagination. People often associate it with luxury and royalty.
Purple Awareness ribbons include ADD and ADHD, Alzheimer’s, domestic violence, elderly abuse, epilepsy and March of Dimes.
What about ribbons about alexithymia or lack of emotions
Great question, Ling. While we are your personalized ribbon experts, we do not specialize in meanings for color choices. An internet search states this, “Since awareness ribbons typically represent specific causes or conditions, there isn’t a universally recognized ribbon for alexithymia.” We hope that you find your answer and choose us for your ribbon needs.
What ribbon color welcomes kind spirits/ghosts?
What an interesting question, Samuel. Unfortunately, we do not know which colors pertain to your needs. Typically, when dealing with specific colors, a customer requests them for their needs. The colors we know best are listed in this blog, and there is also a link that gives a little more description of some of the colors. If you need assistance finding the perfect ribbon, please visit https://www.personalized-ribbons.com/ or contact our customer service representatives.
What color would you suggest for cancer of the lymph nodes
Thank you for your interest in our blog, Deb. That is a great question about lymphoma cancer, and unfortunately not an easy one to answer. As there are different types of this form of cancer, there are different colors that are used to represent each one. For example, lime green is used for lymphoma, but violet is used for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We recommend checking with a support group in your area for the correct color or do a simple online search for further answers. If you need any assistance with your ribbons, please let us know.