{"id":23617,"date":"2019-04-22T15:56:27","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T20:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ipromo.com\/blog\/?p=23617"},"modified":"2025-05-19T16:01:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T21:01:47","slug":"awareness-ribbon-color-meanings-true-symbolism-of-6-common-colors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ipromo.com\/awareness-ribbon-color-meanings-true-symbolism-of-6-common-colors\/","title":{"rendered":"Awareness Ribbon Colors \u2013 True Symbolism of 6 Common Colors"},"content":{"rendered":"

The awareness ribbon history can be traced back to 1979 during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. People began tying yellow ribbons around trees in support of those held hostage in the American embassy. Later on in 1991, the first breast cancer awareness ribbons were created by Charlotte Haley. These ribbons were actually peach (see original ribbon below) colored and Charlotte began asking people to lobby the National Cancer Institute to raise awareness and increase funds for the cancer prevention budget.<\/p>\n

By 1992, Charlotte\u2019s peach cancer awareness ribbons became so popular that executives from Self Magazine and Estee Lauder approached her to partner with them. Charlotte decided against the partnership stating that the campaign was too commercial for her. It was because of this, the executives decided to choose pink as the new color for their breast cancer awareness campaign. Ultimately, pink has become the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Ribbon symbolism has since become a common way to show your support for a particular cause. It can also show that you may have been personally affected by a specific disease, illness, or social issue. Displaying a colored ribbon also allows you to connect with others who may support or been affected by the same.<\/p>\n

Awareness ribbons can be seen everywhere. So much so that it can be difficult to know what each color stands for. It can also cause confusion as people displaying the same color ribbon can actually be supporting different causes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a ritual that repeats itself for any number of causes, such as teal ribbons for ovarian cancer to red ribbons for AIDS awareness.\u201d \u2013 Time Magazine<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For instance, red ribbon meaning can be for AIDS of HIV awareness. However, it can also stand for heart disease awareness or burn victims. In fact, red ribbon symbolism can include any one of three dozen causes.<\/p>\n

Ribbons often coincide with awareness months. For instance, cancer ribbon colors such as pink (breast cancer awareness) are often seen more during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organizations also embrace ribbons as a symbol such as the Susan B. Komen Foundation displaying the pink ribbon to symbolize the organization\u2019s overall goal of finding a cure for breast cancer.<\/p>\n

To help you understand ribbon meanings, we put together a short guide that helps explain the seven most common ribbon colors.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind this only covers a portion of what is out there, but these are the most common that you will run into.<\/p>\n

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\"RedRed Ribbon Meaning \u2013 HIV\/AIDS, Drunk Driving Prevention, Drug Prevention, Multiple Sclerosis And More<\/h2>\n

Since we already briefly touched on red ribbons, let\u2019s take a closer look at their meaning and the causes they represent.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, red ribbons are associated with bringing awareness for HIV\/AIDS. In fact, they have been displayed at the White House<\/a> by both the Bush and Obama Administrations for World AIDS Day. However, red ribbons also have a special meaning surrounding drugs and alcohol.<\/p>\n

\u201cA red ribbon is worn on World AIDS Day as a universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.\u201d \u2013 The Evening Standard<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the D.A.R.E. program both use red ribbons to symbolize the fight against drug abuse and drunk driving. There is also a Red Ribbon Week which is in honor of a Drug Enforcement Agent who was killed by a Mexican drug cartel in 1985.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is why every holiday season from November 1st<\/sup> through December 31st<\/sup> MADD asks you to display a MADD red ribbon in a visible location to remind others to always designate a non-drinking driver.\u201d \u2013 M.A.D.D.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"RedWhile the causes listed above are the most common red ribbon meanings, here are some of the less common ones you may run into:<\/p>\n