I believe it all started with chivalry. When the brave knight would ride into battle wearing the colors of his family, or the flag bearer leading the troops, his banner proudly held high for all to see, and no mistake to be made who they were fighting for.
Perhaps the Lady offering her Knight her colors at the beginning of a joust to show all present that he was her champion.
If you rode in the cavalry in the 19th century you might hear "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" being sung as men rode to war, (or more than likely from John Wayne's movie). Holding that one piece of home, a small reminder that someone cared. Someone was waiting for his return. Perhaps it started then.
In the 1970's "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" was popular. It sang of guy getting out of prison. Wondering against all odds, would his love still be waiting for him? If there was no yellow ribbon tied around the tree, he would "stay on the bus, forget about us". Ahhhh, but when his bus arrived there were 100 yellow ribbons tied around the old oak tree.
Taking that to heart Penney Laingen, whose husband was being held hostage in Iraq tied yellow ribbons around the trees in her front yard. Friends and family followed suit and to this day we all know that someone is waiting for someone to come home when we see those yellow ribbons.
I don't know about you but I know and relate to that feeling. One of the hardest things I ever had to do at the young age of 18 was take my new husband to the airport. We had to say goodbye, he left for Viet Nam. We waited 13 months and he returned. (Just as a side bar, we are celebrating our 44th anniversary this month, Oct. 2011.)
Take a look around the football stadium or basketball court. Our colors broadcast our champions. Win or lose they are our team, the other color is our rival those with whom we do battle.
Ribbons are no different. They boast our cause. They bring focus to our fight. They unite us as a team. Today there are days, weeks, months and colors encouraging us to remember. Remember those who won their battles and those who lost.
Regardless of when and who was responsible for the Awareness ribbons of today they still stand for strength, love and hope. Ribbons today let us collectively hold to the truth that we believe, care and still champion our causes by bringing Awareness to the public forefront. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and time for your pink ribbons, but it is also a great month to remember those causes which are worth fighting for.
Marky's Market will take a percentage of all earrings in the last 12 months, ending October 31, 2011 and donate to Kane County, Utah's, Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Coalition. http://www.markysmarket.com/results.cfm?category=38
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