What on EARTH is that flag?

With so many now to choose from, do ribbons make people more disease aware or just more confused?

Walk down any high street and you will see them in various colors, all with different meanings. These ribbons can be confusing. Not only are there too many colors to remember what causes they are promoting but, in some cases, one color is used by several charities.

If you meet someone wearing a purple ribbon you may assume it is in sympathy for people with pancreatic cancer. But these ribbons are also worn by breastfeeding campaigners, those against domestic violence, or to raise awareness of the toll of urban violence. Green is worn to publicize organ and tissue donation, but also childhood depression, ovarian cancer, and leukaemia. They are also worn by environmental activists.

The history of the symbolic use of ribbons dates back a long time: In Europe, people in mourning have often worn black ribbons around their arms. This trend for sporting your political, social, and possibly sexual leanings began with the launch of the red AIDS ribbon in 1991, when actor Jeremy Irons wore one to host the Tony awards. The ribbon was chosen by Visual AIDS, a group of professionals in the arts, who were inspired by the yellow ribbon worn to honor soldiers. Red was chosen for its connection to blood and passion.

It has become one of the world’s most widely understood symbols.

The pink ribbon has rapidly become a global symbol of breast cancer awareness. When Estee Lauder launched the pink ribbon in 1993 she made wearing it a fashion statement. Today there is no end of corporate sponsors willing to manufacture pink ribbon-linked merchandise.