The white ribbon, a white-colored ribbon or representation of a white-colored ribbon, has several different meanings depending on the context. As with other color ribbons, is sometimes used by political movements to signify or spread their beliefs. In that context, it is usually worn on garments or represented in propaganda (posters, leaflets, etc.).
The White Ribbon has been the badge of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union founded by Frances Willard since its founding in 1873. The WCTU is the oldest continuing non-sectarian women's organization worldwide. The white ribbon bow was selected to symbolize purity. The WCTU traditionally uses the bow rather than the more modern "remembrance" loop.
One of the most notable usages of the white ribbon in recent times is as the symbol of violence against women, safe motherhood, and other related causes. It also has a long tradition in state fairs and similar farming and horticultural competitions in the United States and Canada.
Read more about White Ribbon: The Anti-violence Against Women Movement, Feminism, Quebec Peace Movement, U.S. County and State Fairs, Russian Protests 2011-2012, Other Uses/combined With Other Colours
Famous quotes containing the words white and/or ribbon:
“Kind Sir: Lost and of your same kind
I have turned around twice with my eyes sealed
and the wood were white and my night mind
saw such strange happenings, untold and unreal.”
—Anne Sexton (19281974)
“perpetually crouched, quivering, upon the
sternly allotted sandpile
Mhow silently
emit a tiny violet flavoured nuisance: Odor?
o no.
comes out like a ribbon lies flat on the brush”
—E.E. (Edward Estlin)