red ribbon

The red ribbon, a ribbon colored red, has several different meanings in different contexts. Foremost, it is the symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS.^[1]

Awareness Symbol

A large red ribbon hangs between columns in the north portico of the White House for World AIDS Day, November 30, 2007

The red ribbon is a symbol for both drug prevention and for the fight against AIDS.

AIDS Awareness Origin

The Red Ribbon Project was created by the New York-based Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991.:

1. Remain anonymous as individuals and to credit the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus as a whole in the creation of the Red Ribbon Project, and not to list any individual as the “creator” of the Red Ribbon Project;
2. Keep the image copyright free, so that no individual or organization would profit from the use of the red ribbon;
3. The Red Ribbon should be used as a consciousness raising symbol, not as a commercial or trademark tool.

The artists who formed the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus wished to create a visual symbol to demonstrate compassion for people living with AIDS and their caregivers. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American soldiers serving in the Gulf war, the color red was chosen for its, "connection to blood and the idea of passion -- not only anger, but love, like a valentine." First worn publicly by Jeremy Irons at the 1991 Tony Awards, the ribbon soon became renowned as an international symbol of AIDS awareness, becoming a politically correct fashion accessory on the lapels of celebrities. The Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the fight to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS and in the lobbying efforts to increase funding for AIDS services and research.

Fair award

At county and state fairs in the United States, a red ribbon is awarded to the competitor finishing in second place in a contest. It is used for first place in Canada.

In some judging competitions, particularly in 4-H and FFA livestock and horticultural competitions, red ribbons may be given to a project that meets some of the judging criteria but falls short in other areas. Superior projects and exhibits are awarded blue ribbons (which are second-place ribbons in Canada).

Awards are generally given according to the following scale

(Canada)

• First place - red ribbon
• Second place - blue ribbon
• Third place - white ribbon
• Fourth place - yellow ribbon
• Fifth place - green ribbon
• Sixth place - orange ribbon
• Seventh place - purple ribbon
• Eighth place - brown ribbon

(USA)

• First place - blue ribbon
• Second place - red ribbon
• Third place - white ribbon
• Fourth place - yellow ribbon
• Fifth place - green ribbon
• Sixth place - orange ribbon
• Seventh place - purple ribbon
• Eighth place - brown ribbon

See also

• Paul Jabara - co-founder of the Red Ribbon Project
• Medals of Honor (Japan)

References

v • d • e Awareness ribbon · List of ribbons Blue ribbon Red ribbon White ribbon Black ribbon Yellow ribbon Gray ribbon Green ribbon Orange ribbon Purple ribbon Brown ribbon Pink ribbon