Awareness Ribbons Meanings

Ribbons Every Where!

You probably have seen them. These ribbons that seem to pop up every where: ribbon shaped pink magnets on cars, ribbon shaped pins with puzzle patterns on shirts, yellow ribbon shaped key holders, etc. What do all these ribbons mean, you ask? In truth, they have dozens of different meanings. And this is because each ribbon color tone and/or pattern represents a special cause. Sporting them on anything from cars, clothes, to stationery, etc. is one way to raise awareness about these causes, hence the term Awareness Ribbons.

Breast Cancer Awareness Label
Autism Puzzle Ribbon Awareness Label

So How Many Ribbon Types Are They?

Wikipedia lists well over 50 ribbons types along with the name of the cause they represent. And if you think 50 is a lot, Wikipedia clarifies that this list is incomplete. Some of these ribbons (like the Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon, the Autism Puzzle Ribbon, the Yellow Support-Our-Troop Ribbon, or the Red AIDS Ribbon) have become iconic and probably among the most recognizable. Some ribbons come with variations. For example the Support-our Troop-Ribbon sometimes comes in Yellow or in Army/Fatigue patterns. And in many cases there are also colors that represent different types of causes. For example that same Yellow Ribbon is also sported for Missing Person/Children, and for certain types of cancer. The Black Ribbon symbolizes among other things Mourning, Anti-Terrorism, and Melanoma. Confusing? Yes, it can be at times. But I think it’s Ok. It’s for a good cause.