We’ve all seen awareness ribbons arranged in a loop of bright colors. We might find them affixed to pins, printed on stickers, or stamped on buttons. These ribbons bring awareness to a cause like chronic illness, disease, or a social problem. With so many colors and patterns, it can be difficult to figure out the specific meaning behind any given ribbon. Save this infographic from Wizard Pins to have a guide at the ready.
The infographic details the meaning behind each color and pattern as well as a guide to how the color changes meaning throughout the year. When a color like purple can have up to 50 different meanings, it becomes necessary to assign each cause to a different month to share awareness.
Here’s an example of how the meaning of a purple ribbon changes throughout the year:
- February – Macular Degeneration
- April – Animal Abuse
- May – Cystic Fibrosis
- June – Migraines & Headaches
- August – Overdose Awareness
- September – ADD Awareness
- October – Domestic Violence
- November – Alzheimer’s Disease, Epilepsy & Pancreatic Cancer
You may have noticed that these months don’t cover every meaning the purple ribbon is assigned to. The best way to find out what cause someone is championing with their ribbon is to ask them about it! Most will be happy to see you take an interest.
Awareness ribbons use color psychology and good design principles to catch interest and make people associate that color with a certain cause. The hope is it might prompt someone to donate to a charity associated with it or remind someone to get their annual cancer screening. This concept is on full display in the colorful graphic showing the full array of ribbons. The biggest ribbons are the most popular colors.
