Ribbon of Saint George
Ribbon of Saint George | |
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Versions | |
Russian imperial coat of arms (black eagle on a golden background). | |
Adopted | Order of Saint George, established in 1769 |
The ribbon of Saint George (also known as Saint George's ribbon, the Georgian ribbon;
In the early 21st century, the ribbon of Saint George has come to be used as an
Terminology
As the ribbon of Saint George has been used by different Russian governments, multiple terms exist for it in the Russian language. The ribbon first received a formal name in the
The modern term георгиевская ленточка (georgiyevskaya lentochka, distinguished from the Tsarist term by the usage of the diminutive) comes from the Russian 2005 program of the same name, and is used to refer to the mass-produced awareness ribbons as opposed to the original military awards. The usage of the epithet Georgian in reference to that ribbon is subject to controversy in Russia, due to its Tsarist connotations, and thus sometimes the term Guards ribbon is used to refer to the modern ribbons as well, as they are meant to commemorate the Soviet period of Russian history.[8]
History
Origins
The Georgian ribbon emerged as part of the
In 1806, distinctive Georgian banners were introduced as a further battle honour awarded to meritorious Guards and
In the original statute of the
The original Georgian ribbons disappeared alongside all other Tsarist awards after the
After the war, the ribbon would be sometimes used in postcards commemorating the veterans of the war;[13] however, the ribbon did not hold the public significance it has today.[12]
21st century
Russia
In 2005, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Germany (
Subsequently, Russian communist, nationalist and government loyalist groups have adopted the ribbon. During the
During the
In December 2022, president Vladimir Putin signed a law making desecration of the ribbon a criminal offense, with the law designating the ribbon as an official symbol of military glory that can only be used in events "dedicated to notable dates in Russia" or "aimed at patriotic and morally-spiritual education of Russian citizens".[22]
Ukraine
During the events of 2014 in Ukraine, anti-Maidan activists and the pro-Russian population of Ukraine (especially in the south-east regions) used the ribbon as a symbol of pro-Russian and separatist sentiment.[23][24][25][26] Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine used the ribbon as a symbol of loyalty, while Ukrainians loyalists used the derogatory term "kolorady" (Russian: колорады; Ukrainian: колоради) to describe pro-Russian separatists in reference to the Colorado potato beetle,[27] and the ribbon was referred to as the "Colorado ribbon" (Russian: колорадская лента, koloradskaya lenta; Ukrainian: колорадська стрічка, kolorads'ka strichka).[24][28][29][30][31]
Since 2014, incidents over the ribbon would occur during Victory Day celebrations on 9 May.[32][33]
In April 2014, the authorities of Kropyvnytskyi banned the symbol from Victory Day celebrations "in order to prevent provocations between the activists of different movements". Instead, only Ukrainian state symbols would be used.[34] The next month Cherkasy urged veterans and supporters not to wear the ribbon or any other party symbols.[35]
The Ukrainian government replaced the ribbon with a red-and-black remembrance poppy, like those associated with Remembrance Day in Western Europe in 2014.[12][36]
On 16 May 2017, the ribbon was officially banned in the country, with those who produce or promote the symbol subject to fines or temporary arrest. According to Speaker Andriy Parubiy (People's Front), the symbol had become a symbol of "Russia's aggression and occupation of Ukraine".[37]
Belarus
On 5 May 2014, the Belarusian Republican Youth Union encouraged activists not to use the ribbon. Other officials reported that the decision not to use the symbol was related to the situation in Ukraine, "where the ribbon is used by militants and terrorists".[38] In time for Victory Day 2015, the government introduced a new ribbon, featuring red and green of the Flag of Belarus.[39]
Canada
During preparation for the first Victory Day parade in the Canadian city of Winnipeg on 10 May 2014, the Russian embassy distributed Ribbons of Saint George to participants. The move was considered controversial to the local Ukrainian community in view of the ongoing events in Ukraine.[40]
Latvia
Latvia's Parliament has approved a ban on the public display of Nazi and Soviet symbols, including swastikas and the hammer and sickle, and the singing and promotion of fascist and communist anthems and ideologies. On 11 November 2021, Lāčplēsis Day, the Saeima approved an amendment of the law on Security and Public Entertainment and Festive Events banning the use of the ribbon in public events.[41][42]
Lithuania
The ban on similar grounds to that in Latvia was discussed after the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Moldova
On 7 April 2022, the Moldovan Parliament voted to ban the ribbon following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The military symbols "Z" and "V" were also banned.[45]
Estonia
The Riigikogu passed legislation to ban the use of St George Ribbon after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The law also provides that it is not allowed to publicly exhibit symbols connected with the commission of an act of aggression, genocide, a crime against humanity or a war crime in a way that expresses support to Nazi or justifies such activities. This is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units or €1200, or detention. If such an act is committed by a legal person, it is punishable by a fine of up to €32,000.[46]
Gallery
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Nicholas II of Russia was a recipient of the Order of St. George(Fourth Class)
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Catherine II wearing the Order of St. Georgesash
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Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich of Russia with the Order of St. George sash (first class)
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Ivan Gannibal with the Ribbon of St. George
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Saint George Standard of the Life Guard Cuirassier Regiment 1817
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Beret badge with ribbon of St George of a Russian Federation Guards unit
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Ribbon of Saint George on a car antenna, Moscow, May 2008
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Ribbon of Saint George decal on the Kurganets-25
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Pro-Russian separatistVostok Battalionmember wearing a Saint George ribbon armband
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Shoulder sleeve insignia of the 300th Mechanized Regiment (Ukraine) (disbanded in 2013)
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Former insignia of the 25th Airborne Brigade (Ukraine)
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Sleeve patch of the 6th Army Corps (Ukraine) (disbanded in 2013)
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Z-shaped Saint George ribbon used in the2022 invasion of Ukraine with the hashtag: #СвоихНеБросаем(#SvoikhNeBrosaem; "We don't abandon our own")
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Red Star and ribbon of Saint George decal on Russian military vehicles
Flags
On July 21, 1992, by the
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Pro-Russian demonstration in Odesa in 2014
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1942–1950 Soviet Guards Naval Flag
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First Guards naval flag of the Russian Navy, 1992–2000
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Second version of the Guards naval flag, reverted to the historical color of the original St Andrews's flag, 2000
Medals
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Russian Federation Order of Saint George 4th class
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Imperial Cross of Saint George 3rd class 1807 – 1917 (enlisted award)
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Medal of St. George 1st class
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Soviet Order of Glory 3rd class
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60 Years of Ukraine's Liberation from Nazi Invaders Jubilee Medal
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50 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War
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Defender of the Motherland Medal (Ukraine) 1999–2015
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Order of Military Glory (Belarus)
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Jubilee medal in honor of the 70th anniversary of liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders
Guards Badge
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Guards badge of theArmed Forces of the Russian Federation
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Guards badge of the Armed Forces of Belarus
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Guards badge of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, established in 2005,[48] removed in 2016
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Guards badge for the Soviet Navy
Notes
- ^ See Terminology for further information
See also
- Soviet imagery during the Russo-Ukrainian War
- Z (military symbol)
- Russian Guards
- Order of Glory
- Awards and decorations of the Russian Federation
- Green ribbon, a symbol used by protesters against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
References
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- ^ Karney, Ihar; Sindelar, Daisy (2015-05-07). "For Victory Day, Post-Soviets Show Their Colors – Just Not Orange And Black". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- ^ "A Ukrainian City Under a Violent New Regime". The New Yorker. 2022-05-13. Retrieved 2022-05-31.
- ^ "ЛЕНТЫ К ФУРАЖКАМ РЯДОВОГО СОСТАВА". flot.com. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- ^ "Neve : Голосование. "Георгиевская лента" : Криминальные сводки". forum.guns.ru. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- ^ Указ Президента РФ от 21.07.1992 № 798
- ^ УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ об утверждении общевоинских уставов Вооруженных Сил Российской Федерации
- ^ a b "Георгиевская ленточка стартует в Брянске". 2019-04-02.
- ^ "СТАТУТ ВОЕННОГО ОРДЕНА СВЯТОГО ВЕЛИКОМУЧЕНИКА и ПОБЕДОНОСЦА ГЕОРГИЯ".
- ^ a b Alexei Rudevich (2014-04-25). 5 фактов о георгиевской ленте [5 Facts about the Saint George Ribbon]. Russia7 (in Russian). Retrieved 2015-02-23.
- ^ Mikhail Medvedev (2017-05-08). Георгиевская ленточка: победа прихоти над культурой [Ribbon of Saint George: fads prevail over culture]. Saint George (in Russian). Retrieved 2017-09-03.
- ^ a b c d e "Ukraine breaks from Russia in commemorating victory". Kyiv Post. Retrieved 2015-05-08.
"In the 1960-70s there were no St. George's Ribbons seen during the Victory Day parades. If someone showed up with a ribbon, it would be a violation.
- ^ Георгиевская ленточка на старых (советских) открытках [Ribbon of Saint George in old (Soviet) postcards] (in Russian). 2017-12-21. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
- ^ a b Russia awash with symbols of WW2 victory, BBC News 8 May 2015
- ^ Andrei Malgin (2014-04-16). "The Black and Orange Ribbon of Putin's Army". The Moscow Times.
- ^ "Crowd wearing nationalist symbols attacks children's school competition organized by historical society Memorial — Meduza". Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ "Meduza correspondent assaulted by member of crowd disrupting Memorial society young scholar awards — Meduza". Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ "Putin's ultranationalist base takes aim at the West". Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ MacFarquhar, Neil (2022-03-08). "The letter 'Z' has become a symbol for Russians who support the invasion of Ukraine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2022-03-08. Retrieved 2022-03-08.
- ^ "The letter Z is becoming a symbol of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. But what does it mean?". NPR. 2022-03-09.
- ^ "The Ribbon of Saint George | Atlas News". 2022-03-31.
- ^ "Russia Makes 'Desecration' of St. George Ribbon Criminal Offense". The Moscow Times. 2022-12-29.
- ^ Bigg, Claire (2014-05-06). "Kyiv Ditches Separatist-Linked Ribbon As WWII Symbol". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
- ^ a b Sindelar, Daisy (2014-04-28). "What's Orange and Black and Bugging Ukraine?". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 2014-05-18.
- ^ "Ukraine's Reins Weaken as Chaos Spreads", The New York Times(4 May 2014).
- Ukrayinska Pravda(18 June 2014).
- ^ Kramermay, A. E. (2014-05-04). "Ukraine's Reins Weaken as Chaos Spreads". The New York Times.
- ^ Активистка Майдана: "Это я сожгла три колорадские ленты" (in Russian). Moskovskij Komsomolets. 2014-03-30. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
- ^ Ikhlov, Yevgeniy. "О 'ватниках' и лимитрофах (On 'vatniks' and limitrophes)". www.kasparov.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-03-15.
- ^ "Ukraine Bans Russian St. George Ribbon". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2017-06-12. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
- ^ Berdy, Michele A. (2014-07-24). "Talking Smack About Ukrainians and Russians". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
- ^ Roth, Andrew (2017-05-09). "How an unlikely PR campaign made a ribbon the symbol of Russian patriotism". Washington Post. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ Karney, Ihar; Sindelar, Daisy (2015-05-07). "For Victory Day, Post-Soviets Show Their Colors -- Just Not Orange And Black". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ "Кировоградские ветераны отказались от георгиевских лент на 9 мая : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. 2014-04-23. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
- ^ "Председатель Черкасской ОГА призвал отказаться на 9 мая от георгиевских лент : Новости УНИАН". Unian.net. 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
- ^ Yaffa, Joshua (2014-05-08). "Vladimir Putin's Victory Day in Crimea". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
- ^ "Ukrainian Lawmakers Back Ban On Ribbon Embraced As Patriotic Symbol In Russia". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2017-05-16. Retrieved 2017-05-16.
- ^ Цыганков, Виталий (2014-05-09). "Георгиевская лента напугала Лукашенко". Радио Свобода. Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ "Russians embrace Kremlin-backed WWII ribbon". 2015-05-04. Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ Sanders, Carol (2014-05-09). "Pro-Russia parade planned for city riles local Ukrainians". Winnipeg Free Press. WinnipegFreePress. Retrieved 2014-05-09.
- ^ "Saeima backs ban on 'St. George ribbon' use at public events". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. 2021-11-11. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ^ "Latvian parliament official bans the use of Ribbon of St.George at public events". The Baltic Times. 2021-11-11. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ^ "Lithuanian faction: St. George Ribbon a symbol of 'Russian aggression and imperialist ambitions'". Retrieved 2016-08-12.
- ^ "Lithuania bans symbols of Russia's war against Ukraine". 2022-04-19.
- ^ "(video) Panglica Sf. Gheorghe, "V, Z" și alte simboluri ale războiului, interzise în Moldova: PAS a votat legea în prima lectură". Unimedia (in Romanian). 2022-04-07.
- ^ "Trucker justifying Ribbon of Saint George and Bucha murders denied entry". 2022-04-07.
- ^ "Указ Президента РФ от 21.07.1992 № 798 — Викитека". ru.wikisource.org. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- ^ "About the Badge (Guards)". Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Archived from the original on 2007-09-08. Retrieved 2022-03-06.