In 2005, the so-called "St. George's Ribbon" appeared on the streets of Russian cities as a result of a spontaneous action. The main goal of the action participants was to restore the memory of the traditions of the Soviet and Russian army. The ribbon, painted in orange and black, has become an indispensable attribute of solemn events dedicated to the victory of the people in the war against Nazi fascism. Why is the two-color ribbon called "St. George's"?
From the history of the St. George ribbon
In 1769, the Russian Empress Catherine II established the Order of St. George. Having four degrees, this distinctive sign served to reward those who demonstrated valor in battle and performed a military feat. The order of the first degree was made in the form of a set of a cross, a star and a special ribbon, which had two orange and three black stripes. Such a ribbon was worn under the uniform over the right shoulder. She received the name "St. George".
Since that time, the two colors of the St. George ribbon in Russia began to symbolize military glory and valor. Subsequently, such a ribbon was assigned to the insignia of the military units, in particular, the banners. Often, state awards were worn on this ribbon. At the beginning of the 19th century, individual units of the Russian army received the award-winning St. George banners, to which a black-orange ribbon and brushes were attached.
Half a century later, during the Crimean War, the colors of the St. George ribbon began to appear on the award weapons belonging to the officers. An award of this kind was no less honorable than the Order of St. George. Black and orange ribbons as a reward attribute existed in the Russian army until the empire ceased to exist.
St. George ribbon: continuation of traditions
During the war against the fascist invaders, the leadership of the Soviet Union decided to partially restore the traditions of the old Russian army. In 1943, the USSR government established the Order of Glory, which had three degrees. It looked like a five-pointed star and had a block covered with a yellow-black ribbon. This color combination was reminiscent of the Order of St. George. The two-color ribbon also served as a symbol of courage, military valor and continuity of traditions.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the leadership of the renewed Russia decided to restore the former Russian Order of St. George. The distinctive mark "St. George's Cross" was also put into effect. So in modern Russia a symbol reappeared, which was destined to unite the traditions of different eras, separated from each other by more than two centuries.
Today, many patriotic Russians proudly attach a bright ribbon to their clothes or hang it on cars on public holidays or during significant social and political events. The St. George ribbon has become a kind of symbol of the unity of the nation and a way to express your patriotic feelings.
