St. George Ribbon: when it appeared and what it means

The St. George ribbon is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia's military glory, which today is inextricably linked with the celebration of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War. The history of this two-color symbol dates back more than 250 years and dates back to the reign of Empress Catherine II. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The history of the symbol

The St. George Ribbon was established more than two and a half centuries ago during the military operations.

The St. George Ribbon was established on November 26 (December 7, new style), 1769 by Empress Catherine II during the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774. On this day, the highest military award of the Russian Empire was created — the Order of St. George the Victorious, which was awarded to military army officers for personal bravery shown on the battlefields, for particularly courageous deeds or wise advice that led to victory over the enemy.

The ribbon got its name from the name of George the Victorious, who is considered the patron saint of the Russian army. The order was entitled to a lifetime salary, which could be passed on to descendants. The Order's statute of 1769 contained the following description of the ribbon: "a silk ribbon with three black and two yellow stripes." The ribbon was complemented by the motto "For service and bravery."

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Symbolism of flowers

The traditional interpretation of the colors of the St. George ribbon states that yellow (orange) symbolizes flame, and black — smoke. Chief Chamberlain Count Litta wrote in 1833: "The immortal legislator who founded this order believed that its ribbon combines the color of gunpowder and the color of fire." Thus, the black and orange stripes represent the smoke and flames of battles.​

In addition, the St. George ribbon reproduced the colors of the state emblem of the Russian Empire, which depicted a black double-headed eagle on a gold background. In the 1730s, black, yellow and white began to be considered the state colors of the Russian Empire.

Development of the reward system

The St. George ribbon has become a connecting element of various military awards.

Since 1806, the award-winning St. George banners have been introduced in the Russian army. The St. George's Cross was placed at the top of the banner, and a black and gold St. George ribbon with banner tassels one inch wide (4.44 cm) was tied under the top. In 1807, Emperor Alexander I established a special award for the lower ranks of the Russian Army for personal bravery in battle — the Insignia of the Military Order, which was worn on a ribbon of St. George's flowers.

It was from this period that the popularity of the St. George ribbon became widespread, as ordinary Russian people saw such awards much more often than the gold orders of officers. This badge was later called the Soldier's Cross of St. George, or Soldier's George, as it was popularly called. During its existence from 1769 to 1917, the black and orange ribbon was an indispensable attribute of various awards of the Russian Empire, awarded for military bravery.

The Soviet period

In Soviet times, the symbol was temporarily abolished, but then revived during the war years.

By the decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR "On equalization of the rights of all military personnel" on December 16, 1917, the St. George ribbons were abolished. However, during the Great Patriotic War, on May 21, 1942, a guards badge was established, which was assigned to military units that distinguished themselves in battle, and a ribbon with the historical colors of St. George appeared on the banners of the guards units.

The same colors were used in the decoration of the Order of Glory and the medal "For Victory over Germany", the pads of which are covered with a St. George ribbon. The black and orange ribbon returned under the name "guards", and soon became part of the Order of Glory, which had three degrees and celebrated the most outstanding military achievements of fighters.

Modern meaning

St. George's flower ribbons were first distributed to everyone in Moscow in the spring of 2005, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Great Victory. Today they are a sign of the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. They are worn on the left side as a sign of the memory of the heart for the fallen soldiers, tied in the form of a bow or loop.

Three years ago, the St. George ribbon was recognized as a symbol of Russia's military glory. Such a law came into force in December 2022.

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