home » Autumn shoes » What does the black color of the St. George's ribbon mean? St. George's Ribbon - the history of the symbol

What does the black color of the St. George's ribbon mean? St. George's Ribbon - the history of the symbol

George Ribbon is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russian military glory. This black and orange ribbon has also become one of the main attributes of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War - one of the most respected holidays in our country. Unfortunately, not all of those who tie the St. George Ribbon on their clothes or attach it to their car know what it really means.

The St. George ribbon is painted in two colors (orange and black), in pre-revolutionary Russia she was awarded several awards dedicated to St. George the Victorious. These included: the St. George Cross, the St. George Medal and the Order of St. George.

In addition, starting around the 18th century, the St. George ribbon is actively used in Russian heraldry: as an element of the St. George banners (standards), it was worn on the uniforms of military personnel of particularly distinguished units, the ribbon adorned the uniform of the Guards crew and sailors of ships awarded the St. George banners.

History of the St. George Ribbon

Already at the beginning of the 18th century, black, orange (yellow) and White color and began to be considered the state colors of Russia. It was this color scheme that was present on the state emblem of the Russian state. The sovereign eagle was black, the field of the coat of arms was gold or orange, and the white color meant the figure of St. George the Victorious depicted on the shield of the coat of arms.

In the second half of the 18th century, Empress Catherine the Great established a new award - the Order of St. George, which was awarded to officers and generals for their merits in the military field (however, Catherine herself became its first holder). The order was accompanied by a ribbon, which was named St. George's in honor of him.

The statute of the order stated that the St. George Ribbon should have three black and two yellow stripes. However, it was not yellow that was initially used, but rather Orange color.

In addition to matching the colors of the state emblem of Russia, this color scheme also had one more meaning: the orange color symbolizes fire, and the black color symbolizes gunpowder (according to other sources, the battlefield, the Russian land scorched by the war).

At the beginning, in 1807, another award was established dedicated to St. George the Victorious - the insignia of the Military Order, which was unofficially called the Cross of St. George. He was bestowed upon the lower ranks for his exploits performed on the battlefield. In 1913, the St. George Medal appeared, which was also awarded to soldiers and non-commissioned officers for courage shown in the face of the enemy.

All of the above awards were worn along with the St. George Ribbon. In some cases, the ribbon could be an analogue of an award (if the gentleman for some reason could not receive it). During the First World War, holders of the St. George's Cross in winter time Instead of an insignia, they wore such a ribbon on their overcoat.

IN early XIX century, St. George banners (standards) appeared in Russia; in 1813, the Marine Guards crew was awarded this insignia, after which the St. George ribbon appeared on the caps of its sailors. Emperor Alexander II decided to award ribbons for merit to entire military units. The St. George's cross was placed at the top of the banner, and the St. George's ribbon was tied under the pommel.

The St. George ribbon was actively used in Russia until the October Revolution of 1917, when the Bolsheviks abolished all tsarist awards. However, even after this, the St. George Ribbon remained part of the award system White movement already during the period Civil War.

In the White Army there were two particularly respected insignia: “For the Ice Campaign” and “For the Great Siberian Campaign”, both of them had bows from the St. George’s ribbon. In addition, the St. George ribbon was worn on hats, tied on uniforms, and attached to battle flags.

After the end of the Civil War, the St. George Ribbon was one of the most common symbols of emigrant White Guard organizations.

The St. George's ribbon was widely used and various organizations collaborators who fought on the side of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The Russian Liberation Movement (ROD) included more than ten large military units, including several SS divisions, which were staffed by Russians.

Guards ribbon

After the devastating defeats of the initial period of the Great Patriotic War, the leadership of the USSR needed symbols that could unite the people and raise the morale of the soldiers. In the Red Army at that time there were relatively few military awards and insignia of military valor. This is where the St. George Ribbon came in handy again.

The USSR did not completely repeat its design and name. The Soviet ribbon was called the “Guards” ribbon, and its appearance was slightly changed.

Back in the fall of 1941, the honorary title “Guards” was adopted into the USSR award system. IN next year The “Guard” badge was established for the army, and the Soviet Navy adopted its own similar badge - “Naval Guard”.

At the end of 1943, a new award was established in the USSR - the Order of Glory. It had three degrees and was awarded to soldiers and junior officers. In fact, the concept of this award largely repeated the royal Cross of St. George. The block of the Order of Glory was covered with a Guards ribbon.

The same ribbon was used in the medal “For Victory over Germany,” which was awarded to almost all military personnel who fought on the Western fronts. After the victory in World War II, about 15 million people were awarded this medal, which was approximately 10% of the entire population of the USSR.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the black and orange ribbon in the minds of Soviet citizens became a real symbol of victory in the war over Nazi Germany. In addition, after the end of the Second World War, the Guards Ribbon was actively used in a wide variety of visual propaganda related to the theme of war.

St. George's ribbon today

IN modern Russia Victory Day is one of the most significant holidays. The memory of the Second World War is one of the main factors of moral unity not only of Russians, but also of residents of the CIS and all Russian-speaking people in the world.

In 2005, in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of the victory over Germany, a campaign to promote the St. George Ribbon as the main national symbol Great Patriotic War.

On the eve of May holidays St. George's ribbons began to be distributed free of charge directly on the streets of Russian cities, in shops and government institutions. People hang them on clothes, bags, car antennas. Private companies often (sometimes even too much) use this tape to advertise their products.

The motto of the action was the slogan “I remember, I am proud.” IN last years actions related to the St. George's Ribbon began to take place abroad. At first, the tape was distributed in neighboring countries; in the last year, promotions were held in Europe and the USA.

Russian society received this symbol very favorably, and the St. George Ribbon received a rebirth. Unfortunately, people who wear it usually have little memory of the history and meaning of this symbol.

There is also such a point of view (obviously controversial): the St. George Ribbon has nothing to do with the award system of the Red Army and the USSR in general. This is the insignia of pre-revolutionary Russia. If we talk about the period of the Second World War, the St. George’s Ribbon is most likely associated with the collaborators who fought on the side of Hitler’s Germany. But if we judge from the point of view of the life of this symbol in popular memory solely as a sign of Russian military valor, then the decision of the Soviet leadership to return the ribbon looks like a natural step, not so much propaganda as a return to the main road.

In 1992, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the St. George Cross was restored to the country's award system. The current St. George's ribbon in its own way color scheme and the arrangement of the stripes completely coincides with the royal insignia, as well as with the ribbon worn by Krasnov and Vlasov.

The St. George Ribbon is truly a genuine symbol of Russia, with which the Russian army has gone through dozens of wars and battles. Disputes about Victory Day being celebrated with the wrong ribbon are stupid and insignificant. The differences between the Guards and St. George ribbons are so small that only historians and heraldry specialists can understand them. It is much worse that this sign of military valor is actively used by politicians and businessmen, and often not for the best purposes.

St. George's ribbon and politics with commerce

Over the past few years, this insignia has been actively used in politics, and this is done both within Russia and abroad. The trend especially worsened in 2014 after the return of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in the Donbass. Moreover, the St. George Ribbon became one of the main distinctive signs of the forces that took a direct part in those events on the side of the self-proclaimed republics.

Therefore, for supporters of the Kyiv regime in recent years, the St. George Ribbon has turned from a symbol Great War into a propaganda tool. Anyone who dares to wear such a symbol in modern Ukraine must be prepared for conflict situation. And the St. George ribbon on vodka, toys or the hoods of Mercedes and BMWs looks absolutely offensive. After all, both the St. George Cross and the Order of Glory could only be earned on the battlefield.

The Great Patriotic War is so grandiose and tragic event that May 9 should become a day of remembrance for the millions of victims, whose remains are still scattered throughout our forests, but also a day of great optimism, joy of the descendants of the victors, but most importantly - the day of the world's Victory over the most dangerous plague of all times - aggression, lies and attempts reconsider the results of the most terrible war in human history.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

The history of the St. George ribbon is inextricably linked with the heroic past of Russia. It is known that it was an integral part of three award signs established in the name of the patron saint of the Russian army, St. George the Victorious - an order, a cross and a medal. In addition, the ribbon adorned the visor caps of sailors who served as part of the Imperial Guards crew and on ships awarded the St. George flag. It also flew on the banners of the royal army.

What does the St. George Ribbon mean? The history of its appearance

During the military campaign of 1768-1774, a special award was established - the St. George Ribbon - to reward those who showed courage, bravery and prudence for the benefit of Russia. Her motto became the following words: “For service and courage.” A corresponding award sign also appeared - a white equilateral cross or a four-pointed golden star.

There are four known degrees of the order. Cavaliers were the first to be awarded a cross, a star and a ribbon decorated with stripes of black and orange. Heroes awarded the order of the second degree also had a star and a separate cross, which they wore around their necks. The next degree gave the right to wear a small cross around the neck, and the fourth - in the buttonhole. Since the establishment of the order, black and yellow colors have become symbols of military valor and courage. Thus, the history of the appearance of the St. George Ribbon can only be considered in conjunction with the history of the order itself.

What the ribbon looked like and how it was put on

The ribbon was worn depending on the class of the recipient. There were three options: in the buttonhole, around the neck or over the shoulder. The history of the St. George Ribbon also includes the following curious fact: those awarded it received a lifelong salary from the treasury, and after their death, the heirs became the owners of the award. But the order’s statute also provided for the deprivation of awards to those who, by any unseemly act, tarnished the honor of the Knight of St. George.

Initially, the St. George Ribbon was made of silk and decorated with stripes of black and yellow flowers- this was provided for in the order’s statute of 1769. But if you look at the samples of those ancient years that have come down to us, you will notice that even then the yellow color on them clearly gravitated towards orange, which would be officially approved only in 1913. For a long time, there have been discussions about what the St. George Ribbon means.

The history of its appearance is connected with war, so many believe that black means smoke, and orange means flame. This version, of course, has a right to exist, but the one expressed by the famous expert in the field of phaleristics S. Andolenko is more likely. He draws attention to the correspondence between the colors of the ribbon and the state emblem of Russia - a black eagle on a golden background.

St. George Ribbon. History, meaning and features

There are many order ribbons, but only a few of them have independent status. The history of the St. George Ribbon knows periods when it was used as a full-fledged analogue of an order or a cross. For example, during Crimean War, the defenders of Sevastopol could not receive awards and were given ribbons. Another example is the period of the Imperialist War, when those awarded the order pinned a ribbon to the side of their overcoat. But there is also a known case when the St. George Ribbon was awarded without an order and had an independent meaning.

This happened in 1914. One of senior officials General Staff was awarded it for being able to the shortest possible time mobilize the army. Neither the order nor the cross could be awarded, since they were awarded only to participants in hostilities. The ribbon was granted to him in addition to the previously existing order, and thus the general received the right to wear it on the St. George ribbon, which was a unique case in the history of Russia.

Two types of tapes

During the reign of Emperor Alexander I, it became a tradition to award units that particularly distinguished themselves in military operations with St. George's Banners. These award standards differed from others in that they upper parts(on the tops) the St. George Cross was placed, and a black and gold ribbon with banner tassels was attached under it. There were no inscriptions on it. Over time, they began to be called “narrow St. George ribbons.”

In contrast, by imperial decree of 1878, wide ribbons were introduced, on which it was written for what specific merits military unit received this award banner. Such a ribbon became an integral part of the standard and was not removed from it under any circumstances. Their story begins with the fact that at the end of the military campaign of 1877-1878, Alexander II wished to reward the most distinguished units and units of the Danube and Caucasian armies that took part in the battles.

Unique awards for combat regiments

The army commanders presented information about the two regiments that fought under their command. Attached to the report detailed list their exploits. But when the relevant commission began to consider the issue of awards, it turned out that these regiments already had all the awards that existed at that time. It was for them that a wide St. George ribbon was established with a listing of their merits.

No more similar ribbons were awarded, and these two regiments forever remained the only ones to receive this honor. It is known that at the end of the Crimean War, by decree of the emperor, personal award weapon, decorated with lanyards in the colors of the St. George ribbon. Such an award was considered no less honorable than an order. Examples of these golden weapons can be seen today in many museums across the country.

The palace hall dedicated to the holders of the order

In St. Petersburg at the royal residence in late XVIII century, the Great Throne Hall was opened. Its consecration took place on November 26, the day of the celebration of the memory of St. George the Victorious. In this regard, it was named after him. Since then, all protocol events related to awards have been held within its walls. A commission that considered the candidacies of the next gentlemen also met there, and receptions were held annually in honor of his gentlemen.

Rewarding with a ribbon in the White Guard troops

After seizing power in 1917, the Bolsheviks abolished the previous award system, and the black and gold ribbon began to be used only in units of the White Army. An example is its presentation together with the badge “For the Ice March”, which was used in the award system of Kornilov’s Volunteer Army. Also on the Eastern Front, it was attached to the medal “For the Great Siberian Campaign”.

In addition, the history of the St. George Ribbon contains many facts of its use as patriotic symbols by many White Guard units and formations. Ribbons with black and orange stripes decorated the banners, chevrons and headdresses of soldiers and commanders. This was especially true for participants in the Yaroslavl uprising. The famous ataman Annenkov obliged veterans of his movement to wear St. George's ribbons to distinguish them from recently recruited fighters.

Allies of enemies and fighters against Bolshevism

In 1943, the German command formed the so-called Russian Corps, consisting of immigrants and former citizens USSR, who went over to the enemy's side. It was used to suppress the resistance of Yugoslav partisans, and its most distinguished members were awarded St. George's crosses and ribbons. Unfortunately, the history of the St. George ribbon contains not only heroic pages. Vlasovites who fought in the ranks of the Wehrmacht also often wore this badge of valor on their chests.

In 1944, a collaborationist organization called the Union of Struggle against Bolshevism was created in Bobruisk. On his banner, decorated with two-color ribbons, was an image of the Cross of St. George embroidered in silver. The same tapes served armbands and the distinctive signs of its leaders. Among the numerous unions created in the West by Russian immigrants, all kinds of symbols, including the St. George Ribbon, were popular. One of such organizations was the Russian All-Military Union.

Continuation of the patriotic tradition

St. George's ribbon, the history of which is closely connected with the heroic pages Russian-Turkish war, over time entered into symbolism and Soviet army. In 1942, at the height of the battles against fascism, the Guards Ribbon was established, corresponding in appearance to the well-known St. George ribbon. This was a continuation of the glorious patriotic tradition.

It was used on Red Navy visors and as a design for the “Naval Guard” breastplate. The banners of guards units, formations and ships were decorated with the image of a ribbon. In 1943, by government decree, the ribbon of the Order of Glory was established. to his appearance it is completely identical to Georgievskaya. It was also used to decorate the block of the medal “For Victory over Germany.”

Revival of glorious awards

With the advent of democratic changes in the country, the attitude towards the monuments of our history has changed in many ways. By government decree of March 2, 1992, the Order of St. George and the insignia “St. George's Cross” were restored. In 2005, in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of the victory over fascism, a public event called “St. George’s Ribbon” was held. Its initiators were the RIA Novosti agency and the Student Community.

From that time on, the Guards Ribbon began to be called St. George's Ribbon again, and events dedicated to it became annual. Thousands of activists are distributing ribbons these days to everyone who wants to express their gratitude to our veterans in this way. Black and gold ribbons symbolizing courage and heroism Russian soldiers, are attached to clothing, bags and car antennas. The action is held under the motto “I remember, I am proud.” Thus, the history of the St. George ribbon, briefly outlined in this article, was continued.

In Tomsk, as in many Russian cities, the traditional St. George's Ribbon event is taking place. The distribution of ribbons started on April 24 and will last until May 9 (read more about the distribution locations and times in our material). As a symbol of memory, ribbons are tied to handbags, baby strollers, mirrors and car antennas, and pinned to clothing. On the eve of Victory Day website editor website I decided to find out how to wear the St. George ribbon correctly and what one of the main symbols of the holiday means.

Why did the tape get the name “St. George’s”?

The St. George's ribbon first appeared during the reign of Empress Catherine II; it was attached to the soldier's Order of St. George the Victorious. The Order had four degrees: The Order of the first degree was a set of a cross, a star and a ribbon, which had two yellow and three black stripes. Then yellow replaced with orange. The ribbon was worn under the uniform over the right shoulder.

The film was banned in 1917 and was only revived in 1941. During the Great Patriotic War, the Order of Glory was approved. He represented five-pointed star with a block covered with an orange-black ribbon. This combination of colors was reminiscent of the Order of St. George. As in the time of Catherine II, the ribbon again symbolized courage, military valor and continuity of traditions.

In 1992, the former Order of St. George and the distinctive sign "St. George's Cross" were restored. So we got a symbol that united traditions different eras.

How did the St. George ribbon become one of the most popular symbols of the holiday?

The first St. George's Ribbon event took place in 2005, the year of the 60th anniversary of the Victory. The initiators of the action were the news agency "RIA Novosti" and the ROSPM "Student Community". They chose the St. George ribbon as a symbol that was supposed to symbolize the unification of several generations. Since then, the campaign has been under the motto “I remember! I’m proud!” takes place annually.

What do the orange and black colors of the St. George's ribbon mean?

The Ribbon of St. George is believed to connect the black color of gunpowder (black) and the orange color of fire. However, there is an opinion that these colors correspond to the colors of the coat of arms Russian Empire: black eagle on a gold background.

How to wear the St. George's ribbon?

In 2017, on the website of the All-Russian social movement"Volunteers of Victory" (organizers of the "St. George Ribbon" campaign) published a material that describes the rules for wearing the St. George Ribbon.

"Victory Volunteers use three traditional way tie ribbons, which are also described in the instructions. The movement advocates that the ribbon be worn near the heart; during the event, volunteers will remind Russians of this,” the message said.

In addition, it is noted that this year, in addition to the traditional distribution of ribbons, everyone will receive a leaflet with information about the history of the St. George Ribbon and how it is recommended to wear it.

Photo 66.ru

It is a mistake to believe that the St. George ribbon is a decoration that can be attached anywhere. Volunteers of the movement ask not to forget that for veterans this is a symbol of reward and memory and such treatment is unacceptable.

Updated based on materials from the sites amic.ru, 66.ru, http://volonterypobedy.rf

Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter

St. George's ribbon during the USSR

During the Soviet era, the St. George Ribbon was not forgotten. It entered the award system with minor changes and acquired the name "Guards Ribbon". On November 8, 1943, a Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR was issued. It said that the St. George ribbon became part of the Order of Glory. It was used to cover the block of this honorary badge. This event was a great chance to use it as a sign of respect for all soldiers.

The Order of Glory was awarded to heroes who performed the feats specified in the list. Among the wide list, one could find points that capturing the enemy’s banner, providing assistance to the wounded under enemy bullets during several battles, saving the banner of one’s unit, being the first to penetrate the enemy’s shelter and eliminate his garrison could be considered a feat. Heroes who received this badge of honor were immediately promoted.

In 1992 she received a new beginning. Then the ribbon itself and the Order of St. George were approved as signs of military courage and courage.

St. George's ribbon today

The project started in 2005. Then the sixtieth anniversary of the Victory was celebrated. Every year it was just gaining momentum and had already become a good tradition. The action was recognized as one of the largest in scale in Russia.

People taking part in the program attach St. George Ribbon for clothes, handbags, car mirrors. This is a kind of embodiment of gratitude, a tribute to those who died in battle. Great story The St. George Ribbon deserves to have its colors signify Victory.

On the day of celebration of the Victory Day holiday throughout the entire Russian Federation citizens tie certain symbols to their outfits. Very often you can see the St. George's ribbon proudly developing on people's chests. Most young people know that such a ribbon is a symbol of the holiday, but few know what is hidden behind the symbolism. Let's figure out what the St. George's ribbon means.

Colors of St. George's ribbon

The St. George Ribbon has always been associated with Victory and here's why. The colors of this ribbon, orange and black, represent the following:

orange – symbolizes the eternal flame of fire;
black is the smoke of burnt Russian cities.

Orders bearing such colors were considered exclusively a military award.

History of the St. George Ribbon

In the 18th century, Catherine II, by her order of November 26, 1769, founded the Order of St. George the Victorious, which was awarded to distinguished soldiers. A ribbon of the same color was attached to this order and because of this it was called St. George’s.
Most likely based on the above, historically it so happened that in the USSR they began to award the military with the “Guards Ribbon”, which was like two peas in a pod similar to the ribbon of the Order of St. George the Victorious. True, the then government of the USSR made its own minor additions.
Such a ribbon was awarded to soldiers who had special distinctions before their homeland.

What does the St. George ribbon mean today?

Today, the St. George ribbon is a sign of memory about the feat accomplished by our people. Walking down the street with such a ribbon means expressing your respect and solidarity to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the possibility of ours being born. Before May 9, young people tie such ribbons on items of clothing and hand them out to passers-by on the street.

How the St. George Ribbon became a symbol of victory

In 2005, employees of the Ria Novosti news agency held the St. George's Ribbon campaign. It was then that the newspapers renamed it from “Guards” to “Georgievskaya”. As the workers themselves say, the original purpose of this action was to pay tribute to the veterans who survived the battles, and not to forget about those who died on the battlefield. The brilliant idea was to create symbols that would emphasize the depth of the legacy of the Second World War. The scale of the action has been gaining momentum every year, and the number of ribbons distributed on the eve of the holiday is growing from year to year.
Today the St. George ribbon is distributed to everyone and it means “I remember and I am proud.”

A completely insignificant element like a ribbon can become a symbol of Victory, but the strength, depth and spiritual energy that it carries can become an asset, and not just an attribute of the holiday.
The meaning of the St. George ribbon should be known to every resident of our native country who is proud of the exploits of their ancestors.

Views