Ribbon Rolls for Summer Celebrations

Commitment & Prayer Ribbons

Ribbon rolls play a vital part in a lot of different parties, festivals and other events. Our ribbon rolls are the perfect add-on for your summer celebrations, from different colors to creative and custom imprinting. And, these celebrations don’t always have to include being jovial. Use them for far more than you anticipate during these summer months.

Commitment Ribbons

Woman holding a yellow "I Will Achieve" commitment ribbon.

From weddings to remembering those who have passed, commitment ribbons are an all-inclusive way to celebrate people. By tying colorful (and sometimes imprinted) ribbons around the hands and wrists of two people in a relationship, they are committing to each other that they will stand by the other’s side. And, at the same time, you can tie these personalized ribbons around objects to signify the remembrance of a commitment made.

Awareness ribbons are meant to show support or raise consciousness for a cause.
Different colors and patterns are associated with different issues. Many advocacy groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. Awareness ribbons date back to 1917 when the yellow awareness ribbon showed up to support US military while serving abroad. Since then, we use different ribbon colors for a variety of causes and symbolize various concerns depending on the color and pattern.

Commitment ribbons are also given to those who participate in groups and clubs to remind them why they belong. Service projects, raising animals and helping others are all great causes to use these wonderful ribbons.

Another way to use commitment ribbons is by giving them as colorful reminders of a job well done. Many people appreciate the thoughtfulness of a personalized ribbon when it is presented to them for their accomplishments. Choose your color and message and add them to any of our continuous ribbon rolls for easy and quick acknowledgments.

Prayer Ribbons

These ribbons, often referred to as prayer ribbons, are based on Native American, Tibetan, Siberian and other indigenous traditions. In these cultures, it is believed that everything that is alive has a spirit and everyone lives in partnership with all things. It is believed that all of life is connected to a web of life; this includes cooperation and partnership. It is important to honor and respect all of life that is connected to this amazing web.
While prayer ribbons typically have religious undertones, they don’t have to. Many chose to participate in writing prayer ribbons as a way of helping with goal setting and recognition of a job well done. While most prayer ribbons include things such as prayers for families, food for the needy, more faith in God, and other priorities in schools and communities, they range from personal needs to community related projects.

Even though there are many interpretations of ribbon colors, everyone can understand the importance of recognizing them. From family reunions to corporate events, these ribbons are a great way to remind others about the importance of caring.

Custom Ribbon Rolls

Personalized ribbon rolls are perfect for any event. Order printed ribbon with your custom message for wedding favors, baby and bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Add your logo or artwork for product branding, traditional gatherings, corporate advertising or retail packaging. No matter the event or purpose of your ribbon needs, we guarantee we have what you are looking for.

A Brief History of Ribbons

The history of ribbons didn’t start with a bow; it started with money.

Stemming from their almost exclusive use by nobility and the upper-class as a symbol of wealth, the history of ribbons is quite extensive. By the 17^th and 18^th centuries, ribbons had become a regular part of the fashion industry. Adornments of ribbon on men and women’s clothing became a popular trend.

However, this history reaches far beyond clothing and fashion adornments. Now, in the 21^st century, ribbons are everywhere. From awareness tokens to holiday decorations, ribbons have become a staple in almost every household.

So, let’s start with the question, “What is a ribbon?”

A ribbon is a narrow, woven strip or band of fine material which is finished off on all edges. Different types of fabrics fashion each ribbon. The most common are organza, satin and polyester. These materials are frequently used for ornaments, decorations, bow-tying and accessories.

A History Lesson

As early as the Neolithic period, people wove narrow and dense strips of fabric on small portable looms. Impressions of warp-faced plain weave bands dating back to 6000 B.C.E. were excavated from the Turkish archaeological site of Catal Huyuk.

As early as the 11^th century, St. Etienne, France made lighter-weight ribbons. This town remains the headquarters of the ribbon-weaving industry. While a ribbon’s primary purpose at this point was functional, there is some evidence which suggests a decorative use for these bands.

References to ribbons occur with increasing frequency during the 14^th and 15^th centuries as more tailored clothing developed. In the 16^th century, ribbons became even more popular due to their usage and acceptance by French kings and nobility. Eventually, in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, male usage began to decline, and women were the only ones wearing these ribbon adornments.

The history of ribbons continues throughout the centuries. From the earlier usages on clothing and functionality to eventually taking on roles of a fancier use, ribbons are here to stay. They now hold medals in place as well as bestowing honor on those most deserving. Decorating and gifting are now a common use for ribbons.

Understanding Why the History of Ribbons is Important

While ribbons are still manufactured and can be found trimming hats and other clothing, they are no longer an important element of fashion. Their place as commemorative tokens and in the work of crafters has ensured the continued production of ribbons.

The history of ribbons is essential to us because we sell them, but it should also be important to you. Without ribbons, clothing, hats and other adornments would not have been so important to our history. And, without ribbons, gifts would be less exciting, decorations would be a bland and weddings wouldn’t be so fancy.

the history of ribbons includes decorations used at events like weddings

the history of ribbons includes awareness ribbons for all walks of life

the history of ribbons includes ribbon awards and recognitions

From donning an awareness ribbon to decorating for a corporate event, all ribbons are worth learning about. So, whether it is something personalized for a wedding or an award at a school event, all ribbons have a place in history.

An Orange Ribbon to Show Support

The color orange now has a new meaning. And here’s an orange ribbon to prove it!

Throughout the year, colored ribbons celebrate and honor many occasions and holidays. Each ribbon, whether a badge ribbon, a ribbon roll or a rosette ribbon, can stand for different things depending on colors. And now there is a new meaning to an orange ribbon.

In order to shed a “positive orange glow” in Canada, Judy McPherson from Penticton, British Columbia, came up with the idea of wearing an orange awareness ribbon to support firefighters, volunteers and their families.

“People just want to do something, anything to show their support. There is never anything said negative about it when I approach people,” said McPherson. “There are so many people doing so many other things too, I just want to make sure the firefighters see it and know we are supporting them.”

McPherson moved to the Okanagan from the Coast and said it was while sitting at the beach watching helicopters filling their buckets as they dumped water on nearby fires that she decided she wanted to do something to show her support and gratitude to the firefighters. The idea of the orange ribbon was born and she started creating them and handing them out to friends, family and even strangers.

So, put on your glow and make an awareness ribbon!

First, choose the ribbon color that best suits your cause. Then start by cutting a section of a ribbon roll that includes your entire text. This text can be the name of your cause or a person’s name. It can also be the date for an event you might be holding. Or, you can choose to have a blank ribbon and cut your ends to your liking.

Next, form a small loop in the ribbon. Make sure to leave each end hanging down so that any text shows at the ends without the center crossover covering it. Secure this together with either a small piece of tape or a dab of glue.

The final step is to choose a fastener for your awareness ribbon. (View the full tutorial.)

Blue Ribbons: Why They are so Iconic

From politics to awareness, blue ribbons have been around for a long time. Throughout the year, colored ribbons, especially blue ribbons, celebrate and honor many occasions and holidays. Each ribbon, whether a badge ribbon, a ribbon roll or a rosette ribbon, can stand for different things depending on colors.

But, unlike any other color, blue is prominent as being the most iconic. Just like every other color, blue ribbons represent many things. From first place at a county fair to showing support for the ACLU, these ribbons are spotted all around the world.

Blue ribbons are a symbol of high quality.

The association comes from The Blue Riband, a prize awarded for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by passenger liners and, prior to that from Cordon Bleu, which referred to the blue ribbon worn by a particular order of knights.

blue ribbons are worn for awareness of many diseases and also for specific causes

From New York Fashion Week to award shows like the Oscars, models, actors and other celebrities wear these blue ribbons to show their support. This support goes to not only causes but to groups and charities that support them.

Other ribbon colors have a part in this awareness. However, blue is the most iconic.

blue ribbons are given at state fairs and sporting events to recognize winners for achievements

Blue (this comprises all shades): trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, protection, intelligence, tranquility, integrity, healing, understanding and devotion.

Meaning/Awareness: cancer, assault and abuse, natural disaster victims, drunk driving, dystonia, education, anti-tobacco, arthritis, free speech and water quality.

Receiving a blue ribbon is quite the honor. At fairs, those with the biggest crop or the best looking livestock receive a ribbon to recognize their achievement. The same typically goes with winning at a sporting event. The winner receives a blue ribbon while runners up receive other colors.

And while blue remains the iconic winning color, other colors are sure to impress as well.

Showing Support with Awareness Ribbons

Awareness ribbons are used year round, but some of the most prominent reasons for wearing these ribbons happen in October.

Throughout the year, awareness ribbons are used to celebrate and honor many occasions and holidays. Each ribbon, whether a badge ribbon, a ribbon roll or a rosette ribbon, can stand for different things depending on the color used.

Many support groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. Awareness ribbons date back to 1917 when the yellow awareness ribbon showed up to support US military while serving abroad. Since then, ribbon colors associate with a variety of causes and symbolize various concerns depending on the color and pattern.

Schools will be acknowledging Red Ribbon Week during the last week of October. Others are observing energy awareness, literacy awareness and cultural diversity awareness. But the most followed is breast cancer awareness.

Pink is the chosen color for breast cancer awareness. This color was first used in 1991 when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially adopted pink as its color in 1992.

The color pink is often considered as feminine. It tends to stand for caring for other people, being beautiful, being good, and being cooperative. The pink ribbon represents hope for the future and the charitable goodness of people and businesses who publicly support the breast cancer movement.

Make Your Own Awareness Ribbon

Begin your awareness ribbon by cutting a section of a ribbon roll that includes your entire text. Or, you can choose to have a blank ribbon. Cut your ends to your liking.

The final step is to choose a fastener for your awareness ribbon. (View the full tutorial.)