Awareness Ribbons Chart: Color, Meaning, Causes
Published: 2015-03-09 - Updated: 2022-12-20
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (www.disabled-world.com)
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Library: Disability Awareness Publications
Synopsis: List of awareness ribbon colors and associated causes regarding health and disability - Includes printable awareness ribbon chart. Many groups, foundations, and organizations have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. As a result, various causes may often share the same or similar ribbon color(s). As many awareness ribbon colors may have multiple associated meanings, we only list ribbons regarding health/disabilities.
Definition
- Awareness Ribbons
Awareness ribbons are defined as short pieces of colored ribbon folded into a loop, or representations of such, which are used in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other parts of the world as a way for wearers of the ribbon(s) to make a statement of support for a cause or issue.
Main Digest
What are Awareness Ribbons?
The use of various colored ribbons is designed to generate public awareness of health, medical conditions, disability, and other issues. Awareness ribbons are defined as short pieces of colored ribbon folded into a loop, or representations of such, which are used in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other parts of the world as a way for wearers of the ribbon(s) to make a statement of support for a cause or issue.
Related Publications:
How Many Awareness Ribbons Are There?
Many groups, foundations, and organizations have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. As a result, various causes may often share the same, or similar, ribbon color(s). With new awareness days, weeks, and months, and ribbon colors, designs and symbols being created for causes, conditions, and cancer awareness, we're not certain how many there are, but as seen below, there are a lot!
Important Notes:
- Disabled World does not guarantee these ribbons' accuracy, legal status, or causes. Before using any ribbon colors and designs for any reason, thoroughly research all current existing ribbon designations and causes.
- As many awareness ribbon colors may have multiple associated meanings, we only list ribbons regarding health/disabilities.
- Due to different groups, organizations, countries, and people often creating different colored ribbons for the same cause, we may have a condition/disease listed several times under various ribbon colors.
- If you know a ribbon or cause we have listed is not correct - or if you know of an awareness ribbon color or cause we have missed - please see: How to correct, register, or submit an awareness ribbon color or design.
Covid-19 Coronavirus Awareness Ribbon
In these times of social isolation or distancing, you may like to either suggest a design for a COVID-19 Awareness Ribbon, send us an image of your COVID-19 Awareness Ribbon design, or ask your child if they wish to design an awareness ribbon. Your description and design could convey; sentiments of those affected by COVID-19, remembrance of those who passed due to the Coronavirus, or gratitude for the doctors, nurses, delivery personnel, and many other workers who have, and are, placing their lives on the line every second of the day to save lives and help others stay safe. More information can be found at: Disabled World COVID-19 Awareness Ribbon Design Submissions.
Color Chart of Awareness Ribbons |
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Black Awareness Ribbons | |
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Blue Awareness Ribbons | |
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Light Blue Ribbons
Navy-Blue Ribbons
Royal Blue Ribbons
Robin Egg Blue Ribbons
Blue Ribbons (2 Tone)
Blue/Gray Ribbon with Red Blood Drop
Blue Jeans Denim Ribbon
Indigo Ribbon
Pale Blue Ribbons
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Brown Awareness Ribbons Causes and Meanings | |
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Burgundy Awareness Ribbons | |
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Copper Awareness Ribbon | |
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Cream Awareness Ribbons | |
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Gray/Grey Awareness Ribbons | |
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Green Awareness Ribbons | |
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Lime Green Ribbons
Light Green Ribbons
Mint Green Ribbons
Turquoise Ribbons
Teal Ribbons
Jade Ribbons
Sea Green/Sea Foam Blue Ribbons
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Gold Awareness Ribbons | |
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Orange Awareness Ribbons | |
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Peach Awareness Ribbons | |
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Amber Awareness Ribbons | |
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Pearl, White or Clear Ribbons | |
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White Ribbons
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Pink Awareness Ribbons | |
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Purple Awareness Ribbon Causes and Meanings | |
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Lavender Awareness Ribbons
Periwinkle Ribbons
Violet Ribbons
Orchid Ribbons
Purple and Silver Ribbons
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Red Awareness Ribbons | |
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Silver Awareness Ribbons | |
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Yellow Awareness Ribbons | |
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Awareness Symbols Causes and Meanings |
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Rainbow Butterfly SymbolThe rainbow butterfly symbol, based on the "rainbow infinity" neurodiversity symbol, grew from conversations on an ADHD Facebook group about what signs and symbols people with ADHD felt best represented them. The butterfly symbol pictured below resonated with many, symbolizing how ADHD minds often flit from one thing to the next. The rainbow butterfly symbol pictured is a current popular version.
Autism Infinity SymbolThe Autism Infinity Symbol is becoming a popular alternative to the puzzle pieces autism symbols, as well as a symbol for Neurodiversity.
Blue Star SymbolRepresents the fight against colorectal cancer. The hope is the Blue Star Universal Symbol will be integrated into existing group awareness efforts and incorporated into materials as a representation of the collective fight against colorectal cancer. Checkered Eye SymbolThe checkered eye is a wearable symbol indicating its wearer has a vision disability. It is a simple line drawing of an eye, the center (iris) is black and white checkers. The symbol bears the Checkered Eye and the text "LOW VISION". Black and White Checkered RibbonBlack and white checkered awareness ribbon denotes "Blindness is a Spectrum". Cloud RibbonCongenital diaphragmatic hernia awareness. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a birth defect, occurring while the fetus is developing. Dark Blue and Orange/OrchidThe awareness ribbon colors for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is Dark Blue for Arthritis, and Orange/Orchid for Psoriasis. Diabetes AwarenessBlue Diabetes Circle Awareness. The awareness ribbon color for Diabetes was gray. However, diabetes is now symbolized by the blue circle, as designated by the International Diabetes Federation. Purple Ribbon with White Spots in Figure 8 FormatLichen Sclerosus awareness ribbon for a chronic skin disease. The shade of purple may change, but the white spots and figure 8 shape is the main identifier. Multi-colored Puzzle RibbonMulti-colored puzzle ribbon with the words "Developmental Disabilities Awareness - Normal is Over-rated" on one side. Teal Lichen Sclerosus RibbonFolded teal colored Lichen Sclerosus Awareness ribbon (U.K.) with the black printed words "Lichen Sclerosus" on one end and "Awareness" on the other end. FOXG1 - Orange Ribbon with Fox TailFOXG1 is a severe neurological condition characterized by seizures, small head size, inability to control body movements, and lack of speech. Multi-colored FlameComplex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Pink Ribbon - Red RibbonPink Ribbon Red Ribbon will expand the availability of vital cervical cancer screening and treatment and breast care education. Reddish RibbonPrurigo Nodularis (PN) awareness ribbon features a reddish color fading to "pinkish" with dots at the ends and the words Prurigo Nodularis printed on one side. Trisomy AwarenessTrisomy Awareness ribbon - Created by the Support Organization for Trisomy to represent all forms of Trisomy. Mosaic TrisomiesThe ribbon features a mosaic pattern of red, blue, and yellow colors, with the words "Mosaic Trisomy Awareness" printed on it. Blue ButterflyThe blue butterfly symbol is used to raise awareness of Turner Syndrome Mint Green and Golden Yellow ButterflyThe Mint green and golden yellow butterfly symbol is used to raise awareness of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). |
Multiple Colored Ribbons Causes and Meanings |
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Beige - Giraffe Print RibbonsTethered spinal cord syndrome - Closely associated with spina bifida. Black with Silver Sparkled Striped Zebra RibbonsStiff Person Syndrome Black and Teal Zebra Print RibbonErdheim-Chester Disease Black and White Striped RibbonsBlack and White Striped Breast Implant Illness (BII) awareness ribbon with the words "Breast Implant Illness" printed black on white background. Blue and Green RibbonsPsuedotumor Cerebri Blue, Orange, Green and Yellow RibbonsIntestinal Malrotation - A congenital birth defect affecting the positioning of a person's intestines. Blue and Red Ribbons
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) awareness ribbon submitted by Josh Ingram, founder and president of the Fill Your Lungs Foundation. The current ribbon for regular pulmonary fibrosis is half red and half blue. This represents oxygenated and deoxygenated blood traveling in and out of the lungs. Fill Your Lungs Foundation used the same colors, but made one distinct change - the symbol of a question mark depicted in red. This alludes to the unknown cause of IPF, the factor that separates it from its counterpart (PF). The design has been widely accepted and used as the awareness ribbon for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - even being published on the cover of a UK edition of "Pulmonary Fibrosis Weekly" magazine. Blue and Purple Ribbons
Blue and Teal RibbonsThe Spina Bifida Association ribbon color is blue and teal and represents all forms of Spina Bifida including Occult Spinal Dysraphism, Spina Bifida Occulta, Meningocele and Myelomeningocele. Blue/Purple - Teal/Purple - Turquoise/PurpleSuicide awareness and prevention (also see yellow ribbon). Blue/Yellow Ribbons
Bone/Beige Trimmed in Royal Blue RibbonHip Dysplasia Brown with Pink Dots RibbonThe Persistent Cloaca ribbon is brown to symbolize bowel issues, and the pink dots symbolize occurrence in females only. Burgundy and Ivory Ribbons
Burgundy and Purple RibbonsArachnoiditis - Purple is for neuropathy and burgundy for meningitis. Cow Print RibbonsOmphalocele Awareness Gold and Blue with Diamond RibbonBohring-Opitz Syndrome Gold and Silver Ribbons
Gray and Cream RibbonsSpondylolisthesis Awareness Ribbon - The colors for the ribbon are Cool Gray 10 for the Silver that represents Titanium (the metal used for spinal fusions when having surgery for spondylolisthesis) and spinal conditions. The PMS 726 is the cream color of the ribbon, and this represents spondylolisthesis. Light Green/Dark Blue RibbonsBody-focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) - General term for related complex disorders including hair pulling, skin picking, nail-biting. Grey and Burgundy RibbonsArachnoid Cysts Grey Ribbon with Red heart RibbonsThyroid Cancer Hypotonia Awareness RibbonMulti-colored with the words "Hypotonia Awareness - One Inchstone at a Time". Idiopathic Hypersomnia AwarenessIdiopathic Hypersomnia - Disease characterized primarily by severe excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Oral Cancer Awareness Ribbons
Ivory with Rose RibbonsThe official awareness ribbon color for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is Ivory and also includes a rose picture. Lime Green with DNA Strand RibbonsMEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome - Neurodevelopmental disorder associated with intellectual disability, autistic features, epilepsy, and abnormal movements. Mandibulofacial Dysostosis with MicrocephalyThe Mandibulofacial Dysostosis with Microcephaly ribbon is royal blue with a yellow border, and yellow letters MFDM on the left bottom portion of the ribbon. The ribbon design combines craniofacial and microcephaly colors. Orange and Green RibbonsSynergy Saturday and Healthy Self - A weekly wellness project and health awareness initiative with free health screenings, risk assessments, giveaways, and health education handouts for poor health and poverty alleviation - synergysaturday.com Orange and navy-blue ribbonsHuman Rights for Family Caregivers Awareness Orchid and Orange RibbonsPink and Blue Ribbons
Pink/Blue RibbonsClubfoot - A clubfoot, or talipes equinovarus (TEV), is a birth defect. The foot is twisted in (inverted) and down. Without treatment, persons afflicted often appear to walk on their ankles, or on the sides of their feet. Ponseti International Association (PIA) has designated June 3rd as World Clubfoot Day. Pink Purple and Teal RibbonsThyroid Cancer Purple and Black Ribbons
Purple/Blue RibbonsGNA01 Gene Mutation Disorder - The awareness ribbon is colored purple and blue, with the words "Epilepsy" written on the purple part and "Movement Disorder" written on the blue part. Purple/Green RibbonsSphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) - Purple/Green Ribbon with the words "Sod Awareness" printed in white on the purple side. Purple and Green Ribbons
Purple Blue Marigold RibbonsPurple and Teal with White Stars RibbonThe Necrotizing fasciitis - Purple and teal with white stars representing those who lost the battle with this disease. Purple, Teal and Green RibbonsMedullary Sponge Kidney (Cacchi-Ricci disease). Purple and White RibbonsSarcoidosis - Snowflake signifies no two Sarcoidosis Sufferers are affected in the same way. Purple and Yellow RibbonsPuzzle Ribbons
Quilt Design RibbonsDissociative Identity Disorder (DID) - Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) - The ribbon is based on a crazy quilt design made of various colors and shapes of fabric. An alternative design preferred by some is based on multi-colored stained glass. Rainbow Ribbons
Red and White Ribbons
Red and Zebra Striped RibbonsHashimoto's Encephalitis, Hashimoto's Encephalopathy, Non-vasculitic Autoimmune Meningoencephalitis, Steroid-responsive Encephalopathy associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Red with White Border RibbonChronic Venous Insufficiency Awareness Red/Orange RibbonsRare Adipose Disorders, Dercum's Disease (Adiposis Dolorosa), Madelung's Disease (Launois-Bensaude Syndrome), Multiple Familial Lipomatosis MFL and Multiple Symmetrica. Red and Gold RibbonNeonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT) Awareness (NAITP or NAIT or NATP or NAT for short, or fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, FNAIT, feto-maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, FMAITP or FMAIT). Red White and Black RibbonsPernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency - Two awareness ribbons are listed for Pernicious anemia, both ribbons are colored red, white, and black. The second ribbon has the words "Pernicious Anaemia" written on the black part, and B12 Deficiency on the red part. Pernicious Anaemia is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Courtesy of Georgia Dent (B12ribbons@outlook.com), Ribbon design is copyrighted. Red and Yellow Ribbons
Silver and Blue RibbonsCorpus Callosum Silver, Red and Zebra RibbonsAutoimmune Encephalitis Green Lanyard or Ribbon with SunflowersThe Sunflower Lanyard and Awareness Ribbon is a growing initiative to aid the wearer with hidden or invisible disabilities receive more support in public places such as airports, shopping centers, and transport facilities. Teal and Black RibbonInternational Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) Awareness Teal and White RibbonCervical Cancer White with Blue OutlineHypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) White with Navy StripeAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - (Aran-Duchenne, Gehrig's Disease, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Motor Neuron Disease) Yellow and Multicolor RibbonsGilbert's Syndrome White Ribbon with Red Spots
Zebra Ribbons (Black and White)
Inclusion Awareness Ribbon
Dr. Joanna Baker-Rogers (Director, Busy Life Ltd, www.Busy-life.co.uk) submitted an Awareness Ribbon design for Inclusion - one that raises awareness of how everyone should be included in everything, regardless of race, ability, gender, etc. She chose the three primary colors, as these are the colors that every other color is made from. Applying this to inclusion means that everyone is included. This is not the same as diversity. Diversity means including marginalized, minority groups. Inclusion means including everyone; for example, non-disABLED people who constitute the majority of the population. The RGB codes are:
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How Do I Register an Awareness Ribbon Color or Design?
Awareness Ribbons are not a centralized idea, there isn't really an official place to go to register a design, or color. Currently, awareness ribbons are considered to be in the public domain in most countries, and a simple ribbon of a particular color is generally not considered sufficiently original and creative enough to be copyrighted by a person - or group. However, in a few cases, several particular designs have been granted a special trademark status. E.g. Canada has granted "official mark" status for the pink (breast cancer) awareness ribbons to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
If you are designing your own awareness ribbon and need color ideas, refer to our comprehensive list of HEX and RGB color codes.
How Do I Submit an Awareness Ribbon Color or Design?
You are welcome to submit an awareness ribbon color and design to add to our list provided it meets the following criteria:
- When submitting an awareness ribbon, or design, please provide an example(s) of where the ribbon is currently used, e.g., web-page address, organization etc.
- Do NOT post, or redesign, awareness ribbons that are trademarked - (TM), (R). Some ribbons, including style, color, and design are copyrighted, you should thoroughly research the ribbon design you are wishing to submit to avoid possible copyright infringement.
- To avoid listing several ribbons or designs for the same cause, the awareness ribbon or design you wish to submit MUST be recognized as the most popular one chosen for the cause it represents - Different styles and colors recognized by different countries are OK.
To submit an awareness ribbon, or if you know a ribbon, or cause, we have listed is not correct, or if you know of an awareness ribbon color, or cause, we have missed, please contact us.
Awareness Bracelet Colors
An awareness band, awareness bracelet, or wristband, is defined as a bracelet of various colors on which a slogan is sometimes written, usually sold to raise awareness for charitable causes. These plastic wristbands are available in nearly every color, or colors, and are constructed from material such as silicone, fabric, rubber, or plastic. Awareness bracelets sometimes carry embossed messages demonstrating the wearer's support of a certain cause, or charitable organization. Awareness bracelets generally use the same, or similar colors to awareness ribbons.
Also See:
- Cancer Awareness: Color Chart of Ribbon Colors for Cancers - List, table and printable chart outlining the colors of awareness ribbons that represent different types of cancer and their causes.
- Mood Colors: Meaning and Associations of Color Psychology - Chart showing various colors, the color meaning and what it symbolizes, for those who may be seeking ideas in designing new colored awareness bracelets and ribbons.
- Calendar of US and International Awareness Days, Weeks and Months - List of U.S. National and U.N. International commemorative observance and awareness days, weeks, months to commemorate medical research or ethical cause of importance.
- Notable LGBT Awareness Dates and Events - List of important LGBT+ community awareness remembrance dates and coming events in respect to sexual orientation, gender identity, transgenderism, transsexualism, and intersexuality.
- U.N. International Awareness and Commemorative Dates - List of International days of observance established by the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- List of U.S. Presidential Proclamation Dates - List of annual awareness and observance dates including days, weeks and months, as recognized by U.S. presidential proclamation.
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