In Russia St. George Ribbon– one of the iconic symbols. At the same time, not everyone knows about how, when and why it arose, what its colors mean, how it differs from other symbols now in use in our country, as well as abroad. Let's talk about it.
St. George's Ribbon: history
The history of the tape is inextricably linked with history Russian state. More precisely, with Russian state symbols. Back in the first half of the 18th century, Russia decided what its sovereign colors should be. These colors were black, white, and yellow (or golden). It is these three colors that are reflected on the coat of arms Russian Empire. The sovereign eagle was symbolized in black, the field of the coat of arms was golden, and the Russian saint, St. George the Victorious, was symbolized in white. It is from here, that is, on behalf of St. George, that the St. George Ribbon originates.
In the mid-19th century, Empress Catherine introduced the Order of St. George as the highest state award in Russia. This order was to be awarded to Russian senior military leaders for their courage and steadfastness on the battlefield. The order was accompanied by a ribbon called St. George's, which consisted of two yellow (or golden) and three black stripes. In this color scheme there was also additional symbolic meaning. So, golden color symbolized fire, and the black color meant gunpowder, and more broadly, the smoke of military fires.
The same colors of the St. George ribbon - three black and two golden stripes - are also present in the modern St. George ribbon.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Russian government established a military award for lower ranks - the St. George Medal in the form of a cross with the image of St. George the Victorious. The cross was attached to a bow, painted in the traditional “St. George” colors - three black and two golden stripes.
By the way, the lower rank of the Russian army, awarded four “St. Georges” (the so-called full bow) at that time had approximately the same status and social weight as the Hero of the Soviet Union had during the Second World War.
In the same 19th century, Emperor Alexander II decided to introduce St. George's standards (that is, banners) into the army, as well as to grant St. George's ribbons to military regiments and crews of warships. The St. George's Cross was attached to the banner of the crew and the regiment, and, in addition, the St. George's ribbon was tied to the staff. Such military units received the title of “guards” and, accordingly, had the right to wear distinctive insignia on their uniforms. In particular, the sailor guards wore not black, but black and gold ribbons on their caps.
The St. George ribbon, as well as the St. George awards, were in use in Russia until the revolution of 1917, when the Bolshevik government abolished these “symbols of tsarist times.”
Second life of the St. George ribbon
However, the St. George Ribbon did not remain in historical oblivion for long. In the first months of the Second World War, the Soviet government decided to return to the St. George ribbon, despite its “royal origin.” The essence of this decision was that the Red Army and its individual fighters had to be encouraged in some way to raise morale and achieve victory, and the list of awards at that time was small. It was then that we remembered the St. George Ribbon.
True, they still did not call the “St. George” ribbon, but gave it a different name - “Guards”. However, the color scheme remains the same - black and gold stripes. Soon a special “Guard” badge was issued, and the “Naval Guard” badge was issued for the naval forces. From now on, land and naval units began to have distinctive insignia on their banners - St. George's ribbons.
In 1943, the Soviet government established the Order of Glory. This order had three degrees, and, like the earlier Cross of St. George, it was awarded to the lower ranks of the Red Army. The order was given an even greater resemblance to the St. George Cross by the fact that the block of the order had the colors of the Guards (and, in fact, St. George) ribbon. And by the way, complete gentleman Order of Glory also had almost the same authority in society and enjoyed the same respect as the once holder of the full St. George's bow.
When the Second World War was nearing its end, the USSR government established another award - the medal “For Victory over Germany.” The base of this medal was also covered with a two-color – black and gold – ribbon.
It is clear that after the victory the ribbon with three black and two golden stripes turned into one of the most important state and folk symbols. Moreover, the government strongly encouraged its use in further propaganda and patriotic educational work.
The third life of the St. George ribbon
One of the most important areas in patriotic education modern Russians are the memory of the victory won in the Great Patriotic War. It is quite understandable and logical that in such a matter it is impossible to do without the symbol of Victory - the Guards Ribbon. You can also say this: current time in Russia, this is the time of the third appearance in the lives of Russians of the famous St. George ribbon.
True, the modern appearance of the great symbol still differs in many ways from previous times. Nowadays, the St. George Ribbon has literally stepped into the people’s minds, and, in addition to military symbolization, it has also acquired a general civil meaning.
So, on the eve of the Victory Day holiday, two-color ribbons, called St. George ribbons, are distributed to anyone who wants them; they can be seen anywhere: on the lapels of clothes, handbags, on car antennas and windshields, posters, even on the windows of retail establishments and on certain types of products sold in goods stores.
We can say that the St. George ribbon in all its forms and states has become too much in modern society. And here it is unlikely that quantity can turn into quality. In other words, the too frequent appearance of a great national symbol contributes to the profanation of this symbol, but in no way to the cultivation of patriotic feelings among citizens. But this is already a policy that has a very distant relation to the St. George Ribbon as a symbol and as a part of Russian history.
The St. George's ribbon is a symbol of the Second World War. The black and orange ribbon has become the main attribute of modern Victory Day. But as statistics show, unfortunately, not all citizens of the Russian Federation know its history, what it means, and how to wear it.
St. George's Ribbon: what it means, its colors, history
The St. George's ribbon, bicolor orange and black, appeared simultaneously with the soldier's Order of St. George the Victorious, which was established on November 26, 1769 by Empress Catherine II. This award was given only for feats in battle in the form of encouraging loyalty and courage for the benefit of the Russian Empire. Along with it, the recipient received a considerable lifelong allowance.
There are several versions of color decoding. According to the first, black symbolizes smoke or gunpowder, and orange symbolizes fire. According to another version, the colors were taken from the old coat of arms of Russia. Historians also say that black and orange were the imperial and state colors, this is a symbol of the black double-headed eagle and the yellow field.
The first to receive the Order of St. George were the participants in the naval battle in Chesme Bay. Medals on the St. George ribbon were first awarded in August 1787, when Suvorov’s army defeated the Turks.
The ribbon changed slightly and during the Soviet era began to be called the “Guards Ribbon.”
During the Great Patriotic War it covered the block of the very honorable “soldier’s” Order of Glory.
How to wear the St. George's ribbon?
For 13 years in a row, on the eve of May 9, the “St. George Ribbon” campaign has started, during which volunteers hand out ribbons and tell people how to wear it correctly.
Nowadays, there is a tradition of decorating clothes with the St. George Ribbon as a sign of respect, memory and solidarity with Russian soldiers. However, there are currently no official rules for wearing it. It is important to remember that this is not a fashion accessory, but a sign of respect for fallen soldiers. Therefore, the St. George Ribbon must be treated with care and respect.
It is recommended to wear the St. George ribbon on the left side near the heart - as a sign that the feat of the ancestors will forever remain in it. You can attach it in the form of different shapes using a pin. You should not use the ribbon as a decoration on the head, below the waist, on a bag, or on the body of a car (including on the car’s antenna). It would be indecent to use it as shoelaces or lacing for a corset. If the St. George ribbon has deteriorated, it is best to remove it.
There are several ways to tie a St. George's ribbon so that it looks beautiful and meets the bounds of decency. To do this, the main thing is to use your imagination, or use the Internet, where you can find step-by-step instructions.
The standard and easiest way is a loop. To do this, the ribbon is folded crosswise and attached with a pin.
Lightning or zigzag. The tape will need to be folded in the form English letter"N".
A simple bow is most often used to tie a ribbon in kindergartens and schools.
A person with a St. George's ribbon tied in a tie will look elegant. It will need to be wrapped around the neck so that the ends are different lengths. Afterwards you need to cross them and thread the right one around the left one to make a loop. Next, you need to pull the end out of the loop and thread it through the eyelet.
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 decorated 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 gold 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 that have come down to us from those long ago years, you will notice that even then yellow they 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's 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, the imperial decree of 1878 also introduced wide ribbons on which it was written for what specific merits the 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. A detailed list of their exploits was attached to the report. 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 list 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, personalized award weapons were introduced, 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, in the royal residence at the end of the 18th 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 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 of the USSR who defected to the enemy. 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 ribbons served as armbands and insignia 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.
The Order of George was established in 1769. According to its status, it was given only for specific feats in wartime“those who... have distinguished themselves by some special courageous act or have given themselves wisely for our military service useful tips" This was an exceptional military award.
The Order of St. George was divided into four classes. The first degree of the order had three signs: a cross, a star and a ribbon consisting of three black and two orange stripes, which was worn over the right shoulder under the uniform. The second degree of the order also had a star and a large cross, which was worn around the neck on a narrower ribbon. The third degree is a small cross on the neck, the fourth is a small cross in the buttonhole.
The black and orange colors of the St. George Ribbon became a symbol of military valor and glory in Russia.
There are different opinions about the symbolism of the St. George ribbon. For example, Count Litta wrote in 1833: “the immortal legislator who founded this order believed that its ribbon connects the color of gunpowder and the color of fire...”. However, Serge Andolenko, a Russian officer who later became a general in the French army and compiled the most complete collection of drawings and descriptions of regimental badges of the Russian army, does not agree with this explanation: “In fact, the colors of the order have been state colors since the time when the double-headed eagle became the Russian national emblem on a golden background... This is how the Russian coat of arms was described under Catherine II: “A black eagle, on the heads there is a crown, and at the top in the middle there is a large Imperial crown - gold, in the middle of the same eagle is George, on a white horse, defeating a serpent, an epancha and a spear “yellow, yellow crown, black serpent.” Thus, the Russian military order, both in its name and in its colors, had deep roots in Russian history.”
The St. George Ribbon was also awarded to some insignia awarded to military units - St. George's silver trumpets, banners, standards, etc. many military awards were worn on the St. George ribbon, or it formed part of the ribbon.
In 1806, the award St. George banners were introduced into the Russian army. At the top of the banner was placed the St. George's cross; under the top was tied a black and orange St. George's ribbon with banner tassels 1 inch wide (4.44 cm).
In 1855, during the Crimean War, lanyards of St. George's colors appeared on officer's award weapons. Golden weapons as a type of award were no less honorable for a Russian officer than the Order of George.
After the end of the Russian-Turkish War (1877 - 1878), Emperor Alexander II ordered the commander-in-chief of the Danube and Caucasian armies to prepare presentations for awarding the most distinguished units and units. Information from commanders about the feats performed by their units was collected and submitted to the Cavalry Duma of the Order of St. George. The Duma report, in particular, said that the most brilliant feats during the war were performed by the Nizhny Novgorod and Seversky dragoon regiments, which already have all the established awards: St. George's standards, St. George's trumpets, double buttonholes “for military distinction” on the uniforms of headquarters and chief officers , St. George's buttonholes on uniforms of lower ranks, insignia on headdresses.
A personal decree on April 11, 1878 established new sign differences, the description of which was announced by order of the Military Department dated October 31 of the same year. The decree, in particular, stated:
“The Emperor, bearing in mind that some regiments already have all the insignia established as a reward for military exploits, has deigned to establish a new highest distinction: St. George ribbon banners and standards with inscriptions of distinction for which the ribbons were awarded, according to the attached description and drawing. These ribbons, being part of the banners and standards, are under no circumstances removed from them.”
Until the end of the Russian existence imperial army this award with wide St. George ribbons remained the only one.
During the Great Patriotic War, continuing the military traditions of the Russian army, on November 8, 1943, the Order of Glory of three degrees was established. Its statute, as well as the yellow and black coloring of the ribbon, were reminiscent of the St. George Cross. Then the St. George ribbon, confirming the traditional colors of Russian military valor, adorned many soldier and modern Russian award medals and badges.
On March 2, 1992, by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR “On State Awards Russian Federation"It was decided to restore the Russian military Order of St. George and the insignia "St. George's Cross".
The Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated March 2, 1994 states: “The military Order of St. George and the Insignia of St. George’s Cross are preserved in the system of state awards.”
On the day of the Victory Day celebration throughout the 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.
