The world isn’t a perfect place. While awareness ribbons may not stop that sad truth, they do serve as bright spots of hope in an otherwise dark situation. It’s a simple symbol, but it can be incredibly powerful!
Are you starting a new charity? Maybe you’re a non-profit with a fundraiser around the corner. Either way, it’s important to know what all the awareness ribbons mean so you can find the right ribbon for your cause.
What You’ll Find in This Article
Below, you’ll find over 1,000 causes represented by a total of 65 different colors. There are 30 color combinations, unique prints like zebra and puzzle pieces, and even a few product suggestions for your next event. You’ll see the symbolism for the most popular ribbon colors, which helps you as you get ready for your next campaign.
Scroll down to find a full list of causes for every ribbon color!
Pink Ribbon (download)
Pink is a power color as it’s used to support a number of worthwhile causes, including breast cancer awareness, Paget’s disease, and overall women’s health.
The full list of pink ribbon meanings includes:
- Birth Parents
- Breast Cancer Awareness
- Breast Reconstruction Awareness
- Eosinophilic Diseases
- “Fight Like a Girl”
- Gendercide
- Nursing Mothers
- Paget’s Disease
- Respecting Birth Parents & Nursing Parents
- Women’s Health
Hot Pink Ribbon (download)
A dark shade of hot pink is used for many different causes, such as cleft palate, eosinophilic diseases, and gendercide.
The full list of hot pink ribbon meanings includes:
- Cleft Palate
- Eosinophilic Disease
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Stop Gendercide
Peach Ribbon (download)
A lighter, peach ribbon is used to raise awareness for a variety of cancers and other causes.
The full list of peach ribbon meanings includes:
- Endometrial Cancer
- Invisible Illness
- Uterine Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
Yellow Ribbon (download)
The yellow awareness ribbon is used to show support for our troops and to bring attention to Prisoners of War or Missing in Action, (POW/MIA), adoption, and many different types of cancer. Yellow is also the suicide prevention color.
The full list of yellow ribbon meanings includes:
- Adenosarcoma
- Bladder Cancer
- Adoptive Parents
- Bone Cancer
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Craniofacial Acceptance
- Endometriosis
- Epithelioid Sarcoma
- Ewing Sarcoma
- Microcephaly
- Military Service
- Missing in Action
- Missing Children
- Missing Persons
- Myxoid Liposarcoma
- Obesity
- Osteosarcoma
- Prisoners of War
- Refugees Welcome
- Sarcoma
- Spina Bifida
- Suicide Prevention
- The Disappeared
Amber Ribbon (download)
Amber is a precious gem and a darker shade of yellow. On an awareness ribbon, it stands to symbolize appendix cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei.
The full list of amber ribbon meanings includes:
- Appendix Cancer
- Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Red Ribbon (download)
Red gets a lot of use in the world of awareness ribbons. This bold color stands to symbolize addiction, blood cancer, heart disease, tuberculosis, and zika virus among many other causes.
The full list of red ribbon meanings includes:
- Addiction
- Adult Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD)
- AIDS
- Alcohol Dependence
- Apert Syndrome
- Bleeding Disorders
- Blood Cancer
- Blood Clotting Disorders
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans
- Burn Victims
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Cavernous Angioma
- Clotting Factor Deficiencies
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Congenital Heart Failure
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Courage and Inspiration
- DARE’s Red Ribbon Week
- Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
- Disaster Relief
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under the Influence Prevention
- Drug Addiction
- Epidermolysis Bullosa
- Erythromelalgia
- Evans Syndrome
- Factor XI Deficiency
- Fanconi Anemia
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
- Heart Defects
- Heart Disease
- Hemolytic Anemia
- Hemophilia
- High Blood Pressure
- HIV/AIDS
- Huffing
- Human Trafficking – #REDSANDPROJECT
- Hypertension
- Long Q-T Syndrome
- MADD – Designate a Driver
- Marfan Syndrome
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- Platelet Donation
- Poland Syndrome
- Prinzmetal Angina
- Red Ribbon Week
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Sinus Tachycardia
- Stroke
- Substance Abuse
- Support Our Troops
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
- Trafficking in Persons – Red Sand Project
- Tuberculosis
- Vasculitis
- Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
- Wegener’s Granulomatosis
- Women’s Heart Health
- Zika Virus
Burgundy Ribbon (download)
Burgundy is a darker, wine-colored shade of red. This awareness ribbon color symbolizes disabled adults, headaches, meningitis, and many other causes.
The full list of burgundy ribbon meanings includes:
- Amyloidosis
- Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
- AV Malformation
- Brain Aneurysm
- Congenital Vascular Cavernous Malformation
- Cystic Hygroma
- Disabled Adults
- Factor V Leiden
- Headache
- Hemangioma
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Hemochromatosis
- Hirschsprung’s Disease
- Hughes Syndrome
- Meningitis
- Multiple Myeloma
- Parkes Weber Syndrome
- Port-Wine Stain Birthmark
Blue Ribbon (download)
Blue ribbon awareness is a symbol of hope for many people. This color represents over 100 causes, including bullying, malaria, sex trafficking, rheumatism, and water safety.
The full list of blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS)
- Alexander Disease
- Alopecia Areata
- Angelman’s Syndrome
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Apraxia
- Arthritis
- Arthrogryposis
- Ataxia Telangiectasia
- Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy
- Autonomic Dysfunction
- Behcet’s Disease (Silk Road Disease)
- Bullying
- Bursitis
- Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD)
- Canada’s National Non-Smoking Week
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
- Charge Syndrome
- Child Abuse
- Chondromalacia Patella
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Coffin-Siris Syndrome
- Colon Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy
- CRI DU CHAT Syndrome
- Crime Victims Rights
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
- Dandy-Walker Syndrome
- Dermatomyositis
- Dermatomyositis (Juvenile)
- Dyspraxia
- Dystonia
- Education
- Epstein-Barr Virus
- Equal Access to Education
- Erb’s Palsy
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- Familial Dysautonomia
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Free Speech – Freedom of the Press
- Gout
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Human Trafficking
- Huntington’s Disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Hydrocephaly
- Hypotension (POTS)
- Histiocytosis
- Ichthyosis
- Inclusion Body Myositis
- Infant Airway Defects
- Infectious Arthritis
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JD)
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Klinefelter’s Syndrome
- Langerhans Cells Histiocytosis
- Laryngomalacia
- Leukodystrophy
- Malaria
- McCune-Albright Syndrome
- Me/CFIDS
- Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
- Misophonia
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Myositis Neurocardiogenic Syncope
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Palindromic Rheumatism
- Panhypopituitarism
- Paralysis
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Polymyositis
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Pseudogout
- Reactive Arthritis
- Reiter’s Syndrome
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Reye’s Syndrome
- Rheumatism
- Save the Music in Our Schools
- Save the Waves
- Sensor Processing Disorder
- Sex Slavery
- Sex Trafficking
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylarthritis
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Syringomyelia
- Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Tachycardia
- Targeting Individuals of Bullying
- Teen Pregnancy Prevention
- Temporal Arteritis
- Tendinitis
- Transverse Myelitis
- Trash-Free Seas
- Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS)
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
- Unidentified Missing Persons
- Usher Syndrome
- Vocal Cord Dysfunction
- Water Safety
Blue Jeans Ribbon (download)
While blue jeans may make you think of pants, this look is also used to raise awareness. These ribbons are designed to support causes associated with congenital and genetic diseases.
The full list of blue jeans ribbon meanings includes:
- Congenital and Genetic Diseases
Light Blue Ribbon (download)
A light blue awareness ribbon is used to support a number of causes and organizations, including prostate cancer, acid attacks, and foster care.
The full list of light blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Acid Attacks
- Addison’s Disease
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Chronic Illness
- DiGeorge Syndrome
- Dysphagia
- Foster Care
- Grave’s Disease
- Lymphedema
- Men’s Health
- Movember
- Pro-Choice
- Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome
- Prostate Cancer
- Spay and Neuter Pets
- Thyroid Disease
- Tracheomalacia
- Trisomy 5Q
- Trisomy 13
- Trisomy 18/Edwards’ Syndrome
Periwinkle Blue Ribbon (download)
Periwinkle, which is a blueish purplish color, is used on awareness ribbons as a symbol for causes related to anorexia, irritable bowel syndrome, and different types of cancer.
The full list of periwinkle blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Small Intestine Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
Turquoise Ribbon (download)
Nearly 21 million people in the United States struggle with substance abuse. The turquoise ribbon is a sign of hope as it represents causes that support addiction recovery. It is also used to represent those who have a medical condition known as dysautonomia.
The full list of turquoise ribbon meanings includes:
- Addiction Recovery
- Dysautonomia
Teal Ribbon (download)
A teal ribbon is used to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, rape, food allergies, Tourette Syndrome, and many other causes.
The full list of teal ribbon meanings includes:
- Agoraphobia
- Anaphylaxis
- Anxiety Disorders
- Batten Disease
- Child Sexual Abuse and Assault
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Ectodermal Dysplasia
- Food Allergies
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Gambling Addiction
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Gynecologic Cancer
- Heterotaxy Syndrome
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Juvenile Scleroderma
- Military Sexual Assault
- MRSA
- Myasthenia Gravis
- No Body Shaming
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Occipital Neuralgia
- Ovarian Cancer
- Panic Disorder
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Premature Ovarian Failure
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
- Rape
- Scleroderma
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault on College Campuses
- Sexual Violence
- Social Anxiety
- Stress Disorders
- Systemic Sclerosis
- Tourette Syndrome
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Women Murdered by Domestic Violence
Green Ribbon (download)
The green ribbon is used to represent bipolar disorder and over 45 other causes including global warming, text-free driving, cerebral palsy, and genocide.
The full list of green ribbon meanings includes:
- Achondroplasia
- Adrenal Cancer
- Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
- Biliary Atresia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bone Marrow Disease
- Bone Marrow Donor
- Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chromosome 12, Microdeletion
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- Cirrhosis of the Liver
- Cloves Syndrome
- Dermatillomania
- Dwarfism
- Environmental Concerns
- Eye Cancer
- Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroschisis
- Genocide
- Glaucoma
- Global Warming
- In Favor of Medical Marijuana
- Infantile Scoliosis
- Ivemark Syndrome
- Kabuki Syndrome
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Cancer
- Liver Disease
- Liver Melanoma
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Missing Children
- Mitochondrial Disease and Disorders
- Natural Disasters
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Organ Donation
- Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stem Cell Donation
- Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
- Text-Free Driving (Distracted Driving)
- Tissue Donation
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
Light Green Ribbon (download)
A light green ribbon is primarily used to raise awareness for sexually transmitted diseases, but it also represents causes related to chronic pelvic pain and Celiac Disease.
The full list of light green ribbon meanings includes:
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Lime Green Ribbon (download)
The depression awareness color is lime green. This bright, vibrant color is also used for childhood depression, mood disorders, and as the mental health ribbon.
The full list of lime green ribbon meanings includes:
- Achalasia
- Auditory Processing Disorder
- Babesiosis
- Childhood Depression
- Childhood Mental Health
- Depression
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Dysthymic Disorder
- Lyme Disease
- Lymphoma
- Maternal Mental Health
- Mental Health
- Mental Illness
- Mood Disorders
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Lyme Disease
- Lymphoma
- Maternal Mental Health
- Mental Health
- Mental Illness
- Mood Disorders
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Lyme Disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Pans/Pandas
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Disorders
- Psychosis
- Reactive Attachment Disorder
- Spasticity
- Spinal Cord Disorders
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Trichotillomania
- Williams Syndrome
Sea Green Ribbon (download)
The sea green awareness ribbon is used to represent speech impediments like stuttering, stammering, and lisping.
The full list of sea green ribbon meanings includes:
- Lisping
- Stammering
- Stuttering
Black Ribbon (download)
The black ribbon symbol is often associated with mourning, but this color is also used for sleeping disorders and gang prevention.
The full list of black ribbon meanings includes:
- Accidents
- Anti-Terrorism
- B.R.A.V.E. (Black Ribbon Against Violence)
- Funerals
- Gang Prevention
- Hypersomnia
- Insomnia
- Melanoma
- Memorials
- Mourning
- Narcolepsy
- National Tragedies
- Skin Cancer
Purple Ribbon (download)
The purple awareness ribbon is very popular. It’s used as a symbol of hope for pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, and over 70 other causes.
The full list of purple ribbon meanings includes:
- Aicardi Syndrome
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Animal Protection and Welfare
- Arachnoiditis
- Arnold Chiari Malformation
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Caregiver Appreciation
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Pain in Women
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Chronic Vestibular Migraine
- Colitis
- Cornelia De Lange Syndrome
- Craniosynostosis
- Crohn’s Disease
- CSF Leak (Spinal)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Dementia
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Domestic Violence
- Dravet Syndrome
- Drowning Impact
- Drug Overdose
- Eating Disorders
- Elder Abuse
- Epilepsy
- Fat Shaming and Skinny Shaming
- Fibromyalgia
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
- Hemicrania Continua
- Hereditary Neuropathies
- Homelessness
- Hurler Syndrome
- Hurler-Scheie Syndrome
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
- Infantile Spasms
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- International Women’s Day
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Lupus
- Lupus in Children and Teens
- Macular Degeneration
- Maroteaux Lamy Syndrome
- Moebius Syndrome
- Morquio Syndrome
- Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS)
- Multiple System Atrophy
- Multiple System Atrophy
- Neuropathy – Hereditary
- Opioid Addiction
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatitis (Chronic)
- Pediatric SLE
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Relay for Life
- Religious Tolerance
- Rett Syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
- Scheie Syndrome
- Seizure Disorders
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Sly Syndrome
- Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Teens
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Turner Syndrome
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Vitiligo
Orchid Ribbon (download)
The orchid ribbon is a lighter shade of purple that’s used to represent testicular cancer.
The full list of orchid ribbon meanings includes:
- Testicular Cancer
Violet Ribbon (download)
A dark shade of violet is used to support causes related to Hodgkin’s Disease, which is a cancer that occurs in the immune system and is often treatable.
The full list of violet ribbon meanings includes:
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Lavender Ribbon (download)
Lavender is a lighter shade of purple that, when used on an awareness ribbon, represents any cancer that doesn’t have its own dedicated color already.
The full list of lavender ribbon meanings includes:
- Cancer for which a color has not been designated
- General Cancer
Red & Yellow Ribbon (download)
The red and yellow ribbon, also known as the coronavirus awareness ribbon, made its debut in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This ribbon is used to represent not just COVID-19, but coronavirus in general.
The full list of red & yellow ribbon meanings includes:
- Coronavirus
- COVID-19
Black & Gold Ribbon (download)
A black and gold awareness ribbon is used to represent a platelet donation, which is collected by the Red Cross and used to help people who are undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy.
The full list of black & gold ribbon meanings includes:
- Platelet Donation
Black & Navy Ribbon (download)
While you most often see black and navy ribbons as a tribute to police officers lost in the line of duty, you’ll also see this color combo used to raise awareness for ocular melanoma.
The full list of black & navy ribbon meanings includes:
- Ocular Melanoma
- Police Officers Lost in the Line of Duty
Black & White Ribbon (download)
A black and white awareness ribbon is used to represent acute disseminated encephalomyelitis as well as vaccine injuries.
The full list of black & white ribbon meanings includes:
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
- Vaccine Injury
Blue & Black Ribbon (download)
A blue awareness ribbon with another color takes on a different meaning. For instance, blue and black symbolizes the loss of, or memory of, a brother, father, son, or male loved one.
The full list of blue & black ribbon meanings includes:
- Loss of, on in memory of, a brother, father, son, or male loved one
Blue & Gray Ribbon (download)
The blue and gray ribbon is used to represent awareness and support of those battling Type 1 Diabetes.
The full list of blue & gray ribbon meanings includes:
- Diabetes (Type 1)
Blue & Orange Ribbon (download)
The blue and orange ribbon symbolizes the memory of Frankie Delgado who died at the age of 4 from a phenomenon known as “dry drowning.” This rare condition occurs when there’s too much water in the lungs.
The full list of blue & orange ribbon meanings includes:
- Dry Drowning (In Memory of Baby Frankie)
- #FrankieDryDrowningAwareness
Blue & Silver Ribbon (download)
The blue and silver ribbon is associated with many causes that affect children including fetal alcohol syndrome and Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.
The full list of blue & silver ribbon meanings includes:
- Brachial Plexus Injuries
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1)
Blue & White Ribbon (download)
Blue and white ribbons are used for causes related to teen cancer and femoral acetabular impingement, a condition in which an extra bone grows along the hip joint.
The full list of blue & white ribbon meanings includes:
- Teen Cancer
- Femoral Acetabular Impingement
Blue & White Pinstripes Ribbon (download)
A blue ribbon with white stripes has the same spirit as the ice bucket challenge. It supports causes related to ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The full list of blue & white pinstripes ribbon meanings includes:
- ALS
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Motor Neuron Diseases
Green & Blue Ribbon (download)
The color combo of blue and green on an awareness ribbon represents many genetic disorders and viruses including cytomegalovirus and neurofibromatosis.
The full list of green & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Adrenoleukodystrophy
- Cytomegalovirus
- Neurofibromatosis
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Green & Orange Ribbon (download)
The two colors on this awareness ribbon are fitting as green and orange represents a dual diagnosis. This can be any combination of diseases or symptoms.
The full list of green & orange ribbon meanings includes:
- Dual Diagnosis
Lavender & Orange Ribbon (download)
Lavender is used to represent cancer in general, but when it’s paired with orange, it helps raise awareness for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
The full list of lavender & orange ribbon meanings includes:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Peach & Gray Ribbon (download)
If you see peach and gray together on a ribbon, it’s symbolizing an end to clergy sexual abuse.
The full list of peach & gray ribbon meanings includes:
- Clergy Sexual Abuse
Pink & Black Ribbon (download)
If you combine pink with another color, like black, it takes on its own meaning. This color combo is associated with the loss of, or memory of, a sister, mother, daughter, or female loved one.
The full list of pink & black ribbon meanings includes:
- Loss of, in memory of, a sister, mother, daughter or female loved one
Pink & Blue Ribbon (download)
The pink and blue ribbon are used in sad circumstances of child loss, birth defects, prematurity, and a number of other causes.
The full list of pink & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Baby Safe Haven
- Birth Defects
- Child Loss
- Genital Integrity
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Infant Diseases
- Infertility
- Male Breast Cancer
- Miscarriage
- Mourning the Loss of a Baby or Infant
- Premature Birth
- Prematurity
- Pro-Life
- Prostate and Breast Cancer (Combined)
- Stillbirth
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Pink & Red Ribbon (download)
While you might think of Valentine’s Day, pink and red mean so much more when they’re paired together in a ribbon. They represent women living with HIV and how they’re five times more likely to develop cervical cancer.
The full list of pink & red ribbon meanings includes:
- Women living with HIV are 5 times more likely to develop cervical cancer
Pink & Teal Ribbon (download)
The colorful pairing of pink and teal is used to support many causes related to Breast Cancer Awareness, such as different forms of breast cancer and the combination of ovarian and breast cancer.
The full list of pink & teal ribbon meanings includes:
- BRCA1 (Breast Cancer)
- BRCA2 (Breast Cancer)
- Hereditary Breast Cancer
- Ovarian and Breast Cancer (Combined)
Purple & Blue Ribbon (download)
Blue is a popular color to pair with purple. This awareness ribbon is used for rheumatoid arthritis, cult awareness, preeclampsia, and many other causes.
The full list of purple & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
- Alternating Hemiplegia
- Childhood Stroke
- Cult Awareness
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
- Pediatric Stroke
- Preeclampsia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Disease
- Smith-Magenis Syndrome
Purple & Red Ribbon (download)
At this point in time, a purple and red ribbon is used to support only two causes. These include migraines and Raynaud’s Disease, which is a condition where some parts of the body feel numb and cold in certain situations.
The full list of purple & red ribbon meanings includes:
- Migraine
- Raynaud’s Disease/Phenomenon
Purple & Teal Ribbon (download)
Teal and purple ribbons are used to represent many important situations that need attention. These include domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide.
The full list of purple & teal ribbon meanings includes:
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
- Suicide
- Surviving Family Members of Suicide
Red & Black Ribbon (download)
Red and black may represent the Chicago Bulls, but on an awareness ribbon, these colors symbolize important movements and causes like Black Lives Matter and Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS).
The full list of red & black ribbon meanings includes:
- Black Lives Matter
- In Memory of Murder Victims
- Murder Victims
- Sepsis
- Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS)
Red & Blue Ribbon (download)
Red and blue mixed together usually makes purple, but if they’re combined on an awareness ribbon, they represent various heart defects and syndromes as well as other ailments such as pulmonary fibrosis.
The full list of red & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Congenital Heart Diseases
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
- Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome
- Noonan Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Tricuspid Atresia
Red & Gray Ribbon (download)
The red and gray ribbon currently only has one cause it represents: polymicrogyria, which is a condition of abnormal brain development before birth.
The full list of red & gray ribbon meanings includes:
- Polymicrogyria
Red & Orange Ribbon (download)
The red and orange ribbon is associated with myeloproliferative disorders, which is a group of slow-growing blood cancers in the bone marrow.
The full list of red & orange ribbon meanings includes:
- Myelofibrosis
- Myeloproliferative Disorders
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
Red & Pearl Ribbon (download)
If you combine red with a pearl color, you’ve got a ribbon that represents latex allergies. This condition causes itchiness, hives, and in some severe cases, anaphylaxis.
The full list of red & pearl ribbon meanings includes:
- Latex Allergy
Red, White, & Blue Ribbon (download)
The red, white, & blue ribbon is all about American patriotism and is used as a remembrance for the attacks on September 11th as well as a symbol of military and troop support.
The full list of red, white, & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Military and Troop Support
- Patriotism
- Remembering September 11, 2001
Red & White Pinstripes Ribbon (download)
The color combo of red & white pinstripes is used to represent many causes, not limited to oral cancer, aplastic anemia, and deep vein thrombosis.
The full list of red & white pinstripes ribbon meanings includes:
- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Pulmonary Dysplasia
- Septo-Optic Dysplasia
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Silver & Gold Ribbon (download)
The metallic mix of silver and gold is used to represent various hearing disorders like deafness and hyperacusis. It’s also used for diseases that affect the ears like tinnitus.
The full list of silver & gold ribbon meanings includes:
- Deafness
- Hearing Disorders
- Hearing Impairment
- Hearing Loss
- Hyperacusis
- Meniere’s Disease
- Tinnitus
- VACTERL
Teal & White Ribbon (download)
The teal and white awareness ribbon is used as an agent of hope for those struggling with cervical cancer. Many organizations have used this ribbon to create change.
The full list of teal & white ribbon meanings includes:
- Cervical Cancer
Yellow & Blue Ribbon (download)
Yellow and blue on a ribbon help raise awareness for Down Syndrome and a variety of other causes.
The full list of yellow & blue ribbon meanings includes:
- Bohring-Optiz Syndrome
- Cushing Syndrome
- Dercum’s Disease (Adiposis Dolorosa)
- Down Syndrome
Yellow & Purple Ribbon (download)
A yellow and purple ribbon is used to raise awareness for illnesses that affect internal organs and characteristic facial features.
The full list of yellow & purple ribbon meanings includes:
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Bladder Cancer
- Sotos Syndrome
What Are the Other Types of Awareness Ribbons?
Pink, yellow, red, blue, green, black, and purple are popular colors for awareness ribbons. However, there are many other colors that have their own special meanings.
- Brown
- Cloud
- Cream
- Gold
- Graphite
- Gray
- Kente Cloth
- Orange
- Pearl
- Polka Dot
- Puzzle Piece
- Rainbow
- Silver
- White
- Zebra
Brown Ribbon (download)
Despite its harmful effects, 14 of every 100 adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes. The brown ribbon is a call-to-action that represents quitting once and for all.
The full list of brown ribbon meanings includes:
- Great American Smokeout
- Smoking Cessation
Cloud Ribbon (download)
The cloud ribbon is a sign of hope for those suffering from congenital diaphragmatic hernias. If you’re not familiar, this is a defect in the diaphragm that causes crowding near the heart and lungs making it difficult to breathe.
The full list of cloud ribbon meanings includes:
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Cream Ribbon (download)
A cream-colored or beige ribbon is used for illnesses that affect the spine, hip joints, and nervous system. These include degenerative disc disease, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and spinal muscular atrophy.
The full list of cream ribbon meanings includes:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Developmental Dysplasia/Dislocation of the Hip
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Gold Ribbon (download)
A gold awareness ribbon is used to symbolize causes related to childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, and retinoblastoma. The latter two conditions are cancers that are found in the adrenal glands and retinas respectively.
The full list of gold ribbon meanings includes:
- Childhood Cancer
- Neuroblastoma
- Retinoblastoma
Graphite Ribbon (download)
A dark gray, or graphite, awareness ribbon is used to support the many people affected by lead poisoning. In fact, 1.2 million children were affected in the United States alone and only half of them got the treatment they needed.
The full list of graphite ribbon meanings includes:
- Lead-Free Kids
- Lead Poisoning
Gray Ribbon (download)
A gray ribbon is used to raise awareness for a variety of illnesses and conditions that affect both adults and children, such as asthma, brain tumors, and diabetes.
The full list of gray ribbon meanings includes:
- Allergies
- Aphasia
- Asthma
- Brain Cancer
- Brian Tumors
- Diabetes
- Glioblastoma
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Personality Disorders
Kente Cloth Ribbon (download)
The Kente cloth is a type of silk and cotton fabric that’s native to Ghana. On an awareness ribbon, this pattern is used to raise support for women of color who are suffering from breast cancer.
The full list of kente cloth ribbon meanings includes:
- Women of Color Breast Cancer
Orange Ribbon (download)
You may not see it as often as pink or red, but orange is still a really popular color for awareness ribbons. It’s used to represent ADHD awareness, multiple sclerosis, motorcycle safety, and many other causes.
The full list of orange ribbon meanings includes:
- ADD
- ADHD
- Amniotic Band Syndrome
- Asylum Seekers – Cultural Diversity
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- COPD
- Cultural Diversity
- Diversity
- Equality and Liberty
- Familial Mediterranean Fever
- Gun Violence Prevention
- Human Rights
- Humane Treatment of Animals
- Humane Treatment of Refugees
- Hunger
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Limb Difference
- Malnutrition
- Motorcycle Safety
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Necrotizing Fasciitis
- No Kid or Pets Unattended in Cars
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Racial Tolerance
- Reflect Sympathetic Dystrophy
- RSD/CRPS
- Safe Rides
- Self-Harm
- Self-Injury
- Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Tay-Sachs Disease
- World Hunger/Poverty
Pearl Ribbon (download)
A pearl is typically thought of as a gemstone that’s found in shelled mollusks or animals. When it’s used on an awareness ribbon, however, it represents lung or bronchial cancer and many other causes.
The full list of pearl ribbon meanings includes:
- Bronchial Cancer
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic Lung Disease
- Emphysema
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Disease
- Mesothelioma
- Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Polka Dot Ribbon (download)
The polka dot awareness ribbon is used to represent those who are suffering from blindness. This condition affects more than 3.4 million people in the United States.
The full list of polka dot ribbon meanings includes:
- Blindness
Puzzle Piece Ribbon (download)
The puzzle piece ribbon is used to raise awareness for every type of autism on the spectrum. According to the Autism Society, the pattern reflects the complex nature of this developmental disorder.
The full list of puzzle piece ribbon meanings includes:
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Autism
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rainbow Ribbon (download)
The rainbow awareness ribbon is used to support those who are fighting for marriage equality and LGBTQ rights. This is an ongoing battle for an estimated 4.5% of the U.S. population who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
The full list of rainbow ribbon meanings includes:
- LGBTQ Pride
- LGBTQ Rights
- Marriage Equality
Silver Ribbon (download)
Silver is a popular color for awareness ribbons. It’s used to represent many causes including brain disorders, limb loss, and schizophrenia.
The full list of silver ribbon meanings includes:
- Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
- Bell’s Palsy
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Brain Disabilities
- Brain Disorders
- Disabled Children
- Dyslexia
- Encephalitis
- Facial Paralysis
- Limb Loss
- Locked-In Syndrome
- Neurological Disorders
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Schizophrenia
White Ribbon (download)
A neutral white ribbon is used to provide support for many causes and illnesses, including adoption, bone cancer, osteoporosis, and teen abstinence. Most recently, it’s been used globally to represent the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It supports patients and families who have been affected by the virus, as well as healthcare workers who are risking their lives to help others.
The full list of white ribbon meanings includes:
- Adoption
- Bone Cancer
- Bone Diseases
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
- International End of Violence Against Women
- Make Poverty History
- Osteoporosis
- Poverty
- Teen Abstinence
- Victims of Terrorism
- White Matter Brain Disorder
- White Ribbon Campaign for Men Against Violence
Zebra Ribbon (download)
The zebra print is used to raise awareness for rare diseases and disorders. It’s also used for specific conditions like carcinoid cancer and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
The full list of zebra ribbon meanings includes:
- Carcinoid Cancer
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Rare Diseases and Disorders
What is an Awareness Ribbon?
An awareness ribbon is a symbol used to bring attention and garner support for a specific cause. These ribbons come in over 60 different colors and patterns.
Some of the most recognized awareness ribbon colors include pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, yellow for military service, and puzzle pieces for autism.
Are There Awareness Ribbon Promotional Products?
Awareness ribbons do even more for your cause when they’re part of something that will be used every day like a pen or tote bag.
Try out any of these stylish and useful custom promotional products at your next fundraising event!
Rainbow Awareness Ribbon
This bright pin can be used to support many causes, especially those concerning marriage equality and LGBQT rights.
Ribbon Tote
Make a bold style statement and show your support at the same time with this eye-catching bag!
2D Awareness Pin
This small trinket comes in a variety of colors and can be worn on your bag, shirt, or hat.
How to Use Awareness Ribbons
Every awareness ribbon has a different meaning, but some causes share the same color. This can make it difficult for you to show the world what you’re trying to support.
The best way to use an awareness ribbon is to:
- Use the right color.
- Pair it with a message or call-to-action.
Use the Right Color
It helps to know the exact shade of every awareness ribbon color. Luckily, this guide makes it super easy!
Simply find the color that matches your cause, and you can print the right ribbon on any of your marketing materials. The ribbon color meanings are distinct, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right one.
Pair the Ribbon With an Action
You want your marketing, whether it’s a social media post or a giant banner, to be extremely clear at first glance. Some causes share the same color, which is why your words are a powerful part of the message.
Take a look at some good examples!
A Brief History of Awareness Ribbons
The awareness ribbon made its debut in 1979. The very first ones were literally yellow ribbons tied around an old oak tree. They were used to support the American embassy during the Iranian hostage Crisis.
Perhaps the biggest moment in ribbon history, though, came in 1991 when Charlotte Haley created pink ribbons to bring attention to breast cancer. Her ribbons were so successful, they became the symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and inspired more colors for other causes, such as red ribbons for the AIDS movement in the 80s.
From that point on, ribbons were a popular part of raising awareness. The New York Times even named 1992 “The Year of the Ribbon” in their publication. Today, they’re widely used by non-profits, charities, fundraisers, and other organizations around the world.
Why Are Awareness Ribbons Important?
Awareness ribbons create a community of people that are dedicated to one cause. The only way to create change is by taking action and these ribbons are a rallying call to make that difference!
Just like McDonald’s has the golden arches and Nike has their infamous swoosh, you can see these small ribbons as a symbol, only in this case it’s for hope instead of Big Macs or gym shoes. Every time you wear a ribbon, whether it’s on a pin, shirt, tumbler, or giant banner, you’re letting the world know that you want the world to be better, stronger, and an overall brighter place!
Stats for Success
95% of ribbons featured between 1980 and 1999 are either red or blue.
Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States, affecting 85 of every 100,000 Americans.
There are over 1.5 million non-profits in the United States.
Americans donated a total of $410.02 billion to charity in 2017.
The Bottom Line
An awareness ribbon is only part of what it takes to make a difference. You are ultimately what’s going to make the change. If you have a cause you’re passionate about, get involved in any way you can. Ultimately, it’s the person wearing the awareness ribbon that creates a better future!
References
Personalized Cause. (2019). Cause Awareness Ribbon Meanings By Color. Retrieved April 24, 2019, from
https://www.personalizedcause.com/awareness-ribbon-meanings
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. (2019). Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders. Retrieved April 24, 2019, from
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9319/chronic-myeloproliferative-disorders
Genetics Home Reference. (2019). Polymicrogyria. Retrieved April 24, 2019, from
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/polymicrogyria/
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Latex Allergy. Retrieved April 24, 2019, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20374287
OrthoInfo. (2019). Femoroacetabular Impingement. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/femoroacetabular-impingement/
Adams, C. (2017, June 8). Father of 4-Year-Old Boy Who Died of ‘Dry Drowning’ Speaks Out: ‘This Could Happen to Anyone.’ Retrieved April 25, 2019, from
https://people.com/human-interest/boy-four-dry-drowning-frankie-delgado/
Hafner, J. (2016, November 17). Surgeon General: 1 in 7 in USA Will Face Substance Addiction. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/17/surgeon-general-1-7-us-face-substance-addiction/93993474/
Red Cross Blood Service. (2019). What You Should Know About Platelet Donations. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from
http://www.donateblood.com.au/sites/default/files/PLATELET_DONATION_Sept2016.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/adult_data/cig_smoking/index.htm
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/congenital-diaphragmatic-hernia/
Frostensen, S. (2017, April 27). 1.2 Million Children in the US Have Lead Poisoning. We’re Only Treating Half of Them. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/4/27/15424050/us-underreports-lead-poisoning-cases-map-community
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). The Burden of Vision Loss. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basic_information/vision_loss_burden.htm
Fitzsimons, T. (2018, May 25). A Record 4.5 Percent of U.S. Adults Identify as LGBT, Gallup Estimates. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/record-4-5-percent-u-s-adults-identify-lgbt-gallup-n877486
Disabled World. (2019). Awareness Ribbons Chart: Color and Meaning of Awareness Ribbon Causes. Retrieved April 26, 2019, from
https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/ribbons.php
Personalized Cause. (2019). Awareness Ribbon History. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from
https://www.personalizedcause.com/awareness-ribbon-history
Pinmart. (2019). The Modern History of Awareness Ribbons. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from
https://www.pinmart.com/news/the-modern-history-of-awareness-ribbons/
Waxman, O. (2018, October 1). Wearing a Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness? Here’s How Awareness Ribbons Became a Thing. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from
https://time.com/5408929/awareness-ribbons-history/
Grantspace. (2019). How Many Nonprofit Organizations are There in the U.S.? Retrieved June 6, 2019, from
https://grantspace.org/resources/knowledge-base/number-of-nonprofits-in-the-u-s/
Giving USA. (2018, June 13). Giving USA 2018: Americans Gave $410.02 Billion to Charity in 2017, Crossing the $400 Billion Mark for the First Time. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from
https://givingusa.org/giving-usa-2018-americans-gave-410-02-billion-to-charity-in-2017-crossing-the-400-billion-mark-for-the-first-time/
Fundraising for a Cause. Coronavirus COVID-19 Ribbon Awareness. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from
https://fundraisingforacause.com/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-awareness-ribbon-products
Ribbon for COVID-19. Retrieved from, https://www.ribbonforcovid19.com/
Quality Logo Products®
are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!
