The St. George ribbon has become a symbol of Russian military glory and loyalty to Russia. It is generally accepted that two orange stripes mean flame, and three black stripes mean smoke. But there are other versions.
Ribbon of Combat Glory
The St. George Ribbon was established by Catherine II during Russian-Turkish war 1768-1774 to encourage loyalty, courage and prudence. The ribbon was supplemented with the motto: “For service and courage,” as well as a white equilateral cross or a four-pointed gold star. It is traditionally believed that the black color on the St. George's ribbon symbolizes smoke, and orange symbolizes flame. Count Giulio Renato Litta wrote about this in 1833:
“The immortal legislator, who founded this order, believed that its ribbon connects the color of gunpowder and the color of fire.”
But there are other interpretations. According to the general French army and falerist Serge Andolenko, the colors of the ribbon reproduce the colors of the state coat of arms (black eagle on a golden background). There is also a version that the colors symbolize the death and resurrection of St. George the Victorious.
St. George's ribbon was integral part medals awarded for participation in successful wars or battles with external enemy: “For courage in Finnish waters”, “For Turkish war 1828-1829”, “For the defense of Sevastopol”.
Some awards were issued on combined ribbons: “For the Turkish War of 1877-1878” (St. Andrew’s Ribbon), “In Memory Russo-Japanese War"(Alexandrovsko-Georgievskaya ribbon).
There have been exceptional cases awards. Thus, Lieutenant General Alexander Lukomsky was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir on the St. George Ribbon for excellent conduct of mobilization events in 1914. This award was jokingly called “Vladimir Georgievich”.
St. George's bow
Before the revolution, in cases where the presentation of the order was impossible, heroes were awarded with a ribbon. At the third awarding of the Order of St. George, a black and orange bow was attached to the order ribbon.
Expression " full bow" also received the second one, figurative meaning. This is the name given to a person who has received every conceivable award.
St. George's or Guards?
The St. George ribbon adorns the blocks of the medal “For victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945”, established by decree of the Presidium Supreme Council USSR dated May 9, 1945. Like George, this medal was awarded exclusively to military personnel who took direct part in the war fronts.
However, there is an opinion that the St. George ribbon of the war and post-war period was not St. George’s, but the Guards: both on the Order of Glory and on the medal “For Victory over Germany.” Terminological debates on this topic continue today.
Rolling symbol
During the years of revolution and Civil War St. George's ribbon has become one of the main symbols White movement. Thus, during the Yaroslavl rebellion, the rebels distinguished their own by ribbons attached to their clothes. It was convenient - no insignia was required. Officers wore St. George ribbons in their buttonholes and caps, as well as a St. George chevron on the left sleeve.
According to historian Alexei Karevsky, the rebels even fought under the St. George banner and the tricolor Russian flag.
Ribbons of St. George were also awarded to collaborators from the ROA and KONR. Many soldiers of the Vlasov army were Knights of St. George.
St. George's regalia
It is interesting that the St. George ribbon was also awarded to some insignia awarded military units, - St. George's silver trumpets, banners and standards.
In 1806, the award St. George banners were introduced into the Russian army. At the top of the banner was placed St. George's Cross, a black and orange St. George ribbon with banner tassels 1 inch wide (4.44 cm) was tied under the pommel.
The first St. George banners were issued to the Kyiv Grenadier, Chernigov Dragoon, Pavlograd Hussar and two Don Cossack regiments for distinction in the 1805 campaign.
St. George's Ribbon - bicolor (two-color) orange and black. It traces its history from the ribbon to the soldier's Order of St. George the Victorious, established on November 26, 1769 by Empress Catherine II. This tape with minor changes entered the USSR award system as the “Guards Ribbon” - a sign of special distinction for a soldier. The block of the very honorable “soldier’s” Order of Glory is covered with it.
The black color of the ribbon means smoke, and the orange color means flame. St. George ribbons occupy the most honorable place among the numerous collective awards (distinctions) of units of the Russian army.
The Order of George was established in 1769. According to its status, it was given only for specific feats in wartime “to those who ... distinguished themselves in a special way.” courageous act or the wise ones gave for our military service useful tips". This was an exceptional military award. The Order of St. George was divided into four classes. The first degree of the order had three signs: a cross, a star and a ribbon consisting of three black and two orange stripes, which was worn over the right shoulder under the uniform. The second degree of the order also had a star and a large cross, which was worn around the neck on a narrower ribbon.The third degree is a small cross on the neck, the fourth is a small cross in the buttonhole.
The black and orange colors of the St. George Ribbon have become a symbol of military valor and glory in Russia. There are different opinions about the symbolism of the St. George ribbon. For example, Count Litta wrote in 1833: “the immortal legislator who founded this order believed that its ribbon connects the color of gunpowder and the color of fire...”. However, Serge Andolenko, a Russian officer who later became a general in the French army and compiled the most complete collection of drawings and descriptions of regimental badges of the Russian army, does not agree with this explanation: “In fact, the colors of the order have been state colors since the time when the double-headed eagle became the Russian national emblem on a golden background... This is how the Russian coat of arms was described under Catherine II: “A black eagle, on the heads there is a crown, and at the top in the middle there is a large Imperial crown - gold, in the middle of the same eagle is George, on a white horse, defeating a serpent, a cape and a spear are yellow , the crown is yellow, the serpent is black." Thus, the Russian military order, both in its name and in its colors, had deep roots in Russian history."
The St. George ribbon was also assigned to some insignia awarded to military units - St. George's silver trumpets, banners, standards, etc. many military awards were worn on the St. George ribbon, or it formed part of the ribbon.
In 1806, the award St. George banners were introduced into the Russian army. At the top of the banner was placed the St. George's Cross; under the top was tied a black and orange St. George's ribbon with banner tassels 1 inch wide (4.44 cm). In 1855, during Crimean War, lanyards of St. George's colors appeared on officer's award weapons. Golden weapons as a type of award it was no less honorable for a Russian officer than the Order of George.
After the end of the Russian-Turkish War (1877 - 1878), Emperor Alexander II ordered the commander-in-chief of the Danube and Caucasian armies to prepare presentations for awarding the most distinguished units and units. Information from commanders about the feats performed by their units was collected and submitted to the Cavalry Duma of the Order of St. George. The Duma report, in particular, said that the most brilliant feats during the war were performed by the Nizhny Novgorod and Seversky dragoon regiments, which already have all the established awards: St. George's standards, St. George's trumpets, double buttonholes "for military distinction"on the uniforms of headquarters and chief officers, St. George's buttonholes on the uniforms of lower ranks, insignia on headdresses. A personal decree was established on April 11, 1878 new sign differences, the description of which was announced by order of the Military Department dated October 31 of the same year. The decree, in particular, said: “The Emperor, bearing in mind that some regiments already have all the insignia established as a reward for military exploits, has deigned to establish a new highest distinction: St. George ribbons on banners and standards with inscriptions of distinctions for which the ribbons were awarded, according to the attached description and drawing. These ribbons, being part of the banners and standards, are under no circumstances removed from them.”
Until the end of the Russian existence imperial army this award with wide St. George ribbons remained the only one. During the Great Patriotic War, continuing martial traditions Russian army, on November 8, 1943, the Order of Glory of three degrees was established. Its statute, as well as the yellow and black coloring of the ribbon, were reminiscent of the St. George Cross. Then the St. George ribbon, confirming the traditional colors of the Russian military valor, adorned many military and modern Russian award medals and badges.
On big celebration"Victory Day" of the city Russian Federation decorated with elegant symbols. During the holiday you can see people with St. George's ribbon. Sometimes, ribbons can be seen on cars, bags, instead of ribbons in hair. If earlier it was quite difficult to get this ribbon for the holiday, today volunteers distribute it immediately before the holiday itself.
But not everyone knows the history of the origin of this ribbon, what the St. George ribbon means today, and also what its colors represent.
The history of the appearance of the St. George ribbon
The history of the St. George's ribbon begins in the distant 18th century, namely on November 26, 1769. Then Catherine II established the Order of St. George the Victorious. It was within this order that there was a ribbon similar to our modern one.
Then the “Guards Ribbon” appeared in the USSR, similar to the ribbon of the Order of St. George the Victorious. It differed only in some additions. The Guards Ribbon was issued to soldiers for special differences before the fatherland. The same ribbon was used to cover the block of the Order of Glory.
Today the ribbon is available in two colors - black and orange. Orange symbolizes flame, and black symbolizes smoke. These two colors together represent military prowess and glory. However, there is still debate about the designation of colors. Officially, the colors mean smoke and fire, but in some sources the symbolism of these colors goes deep into the history of Russia and is associated with the image of St. George the Victorious, who defeats the snake.
St. George's ribbons took pride of place among other awards and orders for faithful and valiant service for the benefit of the Motherland. After the Great Patriotic War, St. George ribbons began to decorate many military orders and medals.
In 2005, the campaign “ George Ribbon" It was then that the media began to call the “Guards Ribbon” “St. George’s Ribbon.” Unlike the ribbon that is issued with the order, the St. George ribbon is offered to all people free of charge on the Victory Day holiday, which means “I remember, I am proud.”
St. George's ribbon today
Today, wearing a St. George ribbon means that a person remembers the Great Patriotic War and is proud of his ancestors. It is distributed free of charge in more than thirty countries around the world, and can often be seen on the Victory Day holiday.
This action was invented by RIA Novosti employee Natalya Loseva for the 60th Anniversary of Victory holiday. The action has spread very widely throughout the country and neighboring countries in recent years. The action is still supported by the authorities, the media, citizens and various organizations. For example, in 2010, the longest ribbon in the world was unfurled in Chisinau - 360 meters in length.
Before the holiday, the action begins with the distribution of St. George ribbons among the population. The ribbons represent small segments black-orange color identical to the St. George ribbon. Then the tape must be tied to your clothing, wrist or car antenna. The purpose of the action is to create a widespread holiday atmosphere so that people can feel the importance of the holiday and pride in their fathers and grandfathers who shed blood for the country in the Great Patriotic War.
However, today not everyone wears ribbons and supports the action. Some people think that the St. George ribbon is disrespect for the symbols of Victory, because initially this ribbon served as a symbol of valor and military distinction. Many people believe that tying ribbons to clothes and other things is disrespect for their ancestors and their merits. Many also oppose the use of the Victory symbol for commercial purposes. This point of view is supported by some media and organizations.
IN Lately Videos appear on the Internet reflecting the prevailing conditions in puppyhood American colony psychosis regarding St. George's ribbon. Moreover, the virus of madness, hatred of this attribute of celebration Great Victory, which became a symbol of the glory and heroism of our fathers and grandfathers during the Great Patriotic War, struck many representatives of the liberal public, from whom one can often hear reproaches about someone wearing a St. George ribbon on their chest during the days of the corresponding action, as well as during various kinds memorable and festive events.
For Russian liberals, as well as for the possessed admirers of Bandera in Ukraine, the St. George ribbon is a symbol of Russia’s non-existent aggression in the Donbass. actions that plunged Ukraine into civil war, chaos, chaos and poverty. Well, in the most amazing country there is no longer any reason to be surprised by anything that happens in her:
St. George Ribbon: history and meaning
The St. George Ribbon is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russian reality in recent years. This black and orange ribbon is one of the main attributes of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (WWII) - one of the most respected holidays in our country. Unfortunately, few of those who tie the St. George Ribbon on their clothes or attach it to their car know what it really means.
St. George's ribbon is a ribbon consisting of two colors (orange and black), which pre-revolutionary Russia relied on several awards dedicated to St. George the Victorious. These included: St. George's Cross, St. George medal and the Order of St. George.
Moreover, starting from approximately XVIII century, St. George's ribbon is actively used in Russian heraldry: the ribbon was used as an element of the St. George banners (standards), it was worn on the uniforms of military personnel of particularly distinguished units, the St. George ribbon was on the caps of the sailors of the Guards crew and sailors of ships awarded the St. George banners.
History of the St. George Ribbon
Already in early XVIII centuries black, orange (yellow) and White color and began to be considered the state colors of Russia. It was this color scheme that was present on state emblem Russian state. The sovereign eagle was black, the field of the coat of arms was gold or orange, and the white color meant the figure of St. George the Victorious depicted on the shield of the coat of arms.
IN mid-18th century century by Empress Catherine the Great was established new reward- the Order of St. George, which was awarded to officers and generals for their merits in the military field (however, the first recipient was the Empress herself). This order was accompanied by a ribbon, which was named St. George's in honor of the order.
The statute of the order stated that the St. George Ribbon should have three black and two yellow stripes. However, it was not yellow that was initially used, but rather Orange color.
In addition to matching the colors of the state emblem of Russia, this color scheme had another meaning: orange and black are symbols of “fire and gunpowder.”
At first XIX century(1807) another award was established dedicated to St. George the Victorious - an insignia of the Military Order, which was unofficially called the Cross of St. George. This award was given to lower ranks for exploits performed on the battlefield. In 1913, the St. George Medal appeared, which was also awarded to soldiers and non-commissioned officers for courage shown in the face of the enemy.
All of the above awards were worn along with the St. George Ribbon. In some cases, the ribbon could be an analogue of an award (if the gentleman for some reason could not receive it). During the First World War, holders of the St. George's Cross in winter time Instead of an insignia, they wore a ribbon on their overcoat.
IN early XIX century, St. George's banners (standards) appeared in Russia; in 1813, the Marine Guards crew was awarded them, after which the St. George's ribbon appeared on the caps of its sailors. Emperor Alexander II decided to award ribbons for merit to entire military units. The St. George's cross was placed at the top of the banner, and the St. George's ribbon was tied under the pommel.
The St. George ribbon was actively used in Russia until October revolution 1917: after it, the Bolsheviks abolished all royal awards. However, even after this, the St. George Ribbon remained part of the award system of the White movement. The White Guards used this attribute in their insignia, which appeared already during the Civil War.
In the White Army there were two particularly respected insignia: “For Ice trek" and "For the great Siberian campaign", they both had St. George's ribbon bows. In addition, the St. George Ribbon was actively used in the White movement: it was worn on headdresses, tied on uniforms, and attached to battle flags.
After the end of the Civil War, the St. George Ribbon was one of the most common symbols of emigrant White Guard organizations.
The St. George's Ribbon was very widely used by various organizations of collaborators who fought on the side of Hitler's Germany during the Second World War. Member of the Russian liberation movement(ROD) included more than ten large military units, including several SS divisions, which were staffed by Russians.
Guards ribbon
After devastating defeats initial period During the Great Patriotic War, the leadership of the USSR desperately needed symbols that could unite the people and raise morale at the front. The Red Army had very few military awards and insignia of military valor. This is where the St. George Ribbon came in handy.
The USSR did not completely repeat the design and name. The Soviet ribbon was called “Guards”, and its appearance was slightly changed.
Back in the fall of 1941, the honorary title “Guards” was adopted into the USSR award system. IN next year was established for the army Chest sign"Guard", and the Soviet Navy adopted its own similar sign - “Naval Guard”.
At the end of 1943, a new award was established in the USSR - the Order of Glory. It had three degrees and was issued to soldiers and junior officers. In fact, the concept of this award largely repeated the royal Cross of St. George. The block of the Order of Glory was covered with a Guards ribbon.
The same ribbon was used in the medal “For Victory over Germany,” which was awarded to almost all military personnel who fought in western fronts. After the victory in World War II, about 15 million people were awarded this medal, which was approximately 10% of the entire population of the USSR.
Therefore it is not surprising that black and orange ribbon in the minds of Soviet citizens became a real symbol of victory in the war over Hitler's Germany. In addition, after the end of the Second World War, the Guards Ribbon was actively used in a wide variety of visual propaganda related to the theme of war.
Modern Russia
IN modern Russia Victory Day is one of the most popular holidays. For state propaganda, the theme of World War II is one of the main tools for raising the patriotism of the population.
In 2005, in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of the victory over Germany, at state level an action began to promote the St. George Ribbon as the main national symbol Great Patriotic War.
On the eve of the May holidays, St. George's ribbons began to be distributed free of charge right on the streets Russian cities, in stores and government institutions. People hang them on clothes, bags, car antennas. Private companies began to often (sometimes even too often) use the tape to advertise their products.
The motto of the action was the slogan “I remember, I am proud.” In recent years, events related to the St. George Ribbon have begun to take place abroad. At first the tape was distributed in neighboring countries, in Last year promotions were held in Europe and the USA.
Russian society received this symbol very favorably, and the St. George Ribbon received a rebirth. Unfortunately, people who wear it usually have little knowledge of the history and meaning of this sign.
The first thing that should be said: the St. George Ribbon has nothing to do with the award system of the Red Army and the USSR in general. This is the insignia of pre-revolutionary Russia. If we talk about the period of the Second World War, the St. George’s Ribbon is most likely associated with the collaborators who fought on the side of Hitler’s Germany.
In 1992, by decree of the Russian President, the St. George Cross was restored to the country's award system. The current St. George's ribbon, in its color scheme and arrangement of stripes, completely coincides with the royal insignia, as well as with the ribbon worn by Krasnov and Vlasov.
However this is not a big problem. The St. George Ribbon is truly a real symbol of Russia, with which the Russian army has gone through dozens of wars and battles. Disputes about Victory Day being celebrated with the wrong ribbon are stupid and insignificant. The differences between the Guards and St. George ribbons are so small that only historians and heraldry specialists can understand them. It is much worse that this sign of military valor is actively used by politicians and, as usual, not always for good purposes.
St. George's ribbon and politics
Over the past few years, this insignia has been actively used in politics, and this is done both within Russia and abroad. This trend it became especially aggravated in 2014, after the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in the Donbass. Moreover, the St. George Ribbon became one of the main distinctive signs of those forces that were directly involved in these events.
The St. George ribbon is very actively used by supporters of the DPR and LPR. Russian propaganda is trying to draw a parallel between the fighters of the separatist formations in eastern Ukraine with the Red Army soldiers who fought the Nazis during World War II. Russian media usually portray the modern Ukrainian government as Nazis.
Therefore, in the last few years, the St. George ribbon has turned from a symbol Great War into a propaganda tool. This sign is increasingly perceived as a symbol of support for the current government. And this is very wrong. And the St. George’s ribbon on vodka, toys or the hoods of Mercedes looks like a complete insult. After all, both the St. George Cross and the Order of Glory could only be earned on the battlefield.
The Great Patriotic War is so grandiose and tragic event that May 9 should be a day of remembrance for the millions of victims whose remains are still scattered throughout our forests.
Today the St. George's Ribbon is perceived more as a modern fashion accessory on certain days in May, which does not stand up to criticism. But few people know the history of the symbol of Victory and courage, courage and perseverance. The history of the origin of the color of the ribbon is even less familiar. And why is the ribbon called St. George’s?
What you need to know about the St. George's Ribbon - we offer you a selection of 10 most important facts.
No. 1. Slogan
About the St. George's Ribbon as a symbol of Victory Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War, they started talking in the mid-2000s.
In 2005, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Victory, a non-political action began under the well-known slogans:
“Grandfather’s Victory is my Victory”, “Tie it up. If you remember!”, “I remember! I’m proud!”, “We are the heirs of the Great Victory!”, “Thank you grandfather for the victory!”
No. 2. Author of the idea
The idea of the action belongs to a group of journalists from the Russian Agency international information"RIA News".
No. 3. Code of the St. George's Ribbon promotion
The St. George Ribbon Code consists of 10 points:
- Promotion "St. George's Ribbon" - not commercial and not political.
- The purpose of the action is creation of a holiday symbol - Victory Day .
- This symbol is an expression of our respect for veterans, a tribute to the memory of those who fell on the battlefield, gratitude to the people who gave everything for the front. To all those thanks to whom we won in 1945.
- "George Ribbon" is not a heraldic symbol . This is a symbolic ribbon, a replica of the traditional bicolor St. George ribbon.
- The use of original St. George's or Guards ribbons in the promotion is not allowed. "St. George's Ribbon" is a symbol, not a reward.
- "George Ribbon" cannot be the object of purchase and sale .
- "George Ribbon" cannot serve to promote goods and services. The use of tape as an accompanying product or element of product packaging is not allowed.
- "George Ribbon" distributed free of charge. It is not permitted to issue a ribbon to a visitor to a retail establishment in exchange for a purchase.
- Not allowed usage"St. George's Ribbon" V political purposes any parties or movements.
- The “St. George Ribbon” has one or two inscriptions: the name of the city/state where the ribbon was produced. Other inscriptions on the ribbon are not allowed.
- This is a symbol of the unbroken spirit of the people who fought and defeated Nazism in the Great Patriotic War.
Naturally, like any code in the Russian Federation, it is also not observed by every citizen. From 2005 to 2017, paragraph 7 of the code is considered the most violated. On the eve of the holiday, enterprising businessmen do whatever they can with impunity: manicures, vodka, beer, dogs, wet wipes, ice cream, mayonnaise, and even toilets- madness at its finest:
This is such speculation on the topic of war and victory... Petty, low, mean, disgusting...
No. 4. On banknotes
The St. George's ribbon is depicted on the commemorative banknotes of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic issued by the Central Bank of Transnistria to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
No. 5. Correspondence
St. George's Ribbon appearance and the combination of colors corresponds to the ribbon that covers the order block for the medal “For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.”
Medal "For victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" Medal "For victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" became the most popular medal. As of January 1, 1995, approximately 14,933,000 people have been awarded the medal.
Among those awarded are 120 thousand military personnel Bulgarian army who took part in hostilities against German army and her allies.
No. 6. "Georgievskaya" or "Gvardeyskaya"
The ribbons distributed as part of this event are called St. George's ribbons, although critics argue that in fact they correspond to the Guards, since they mean a symbol of victory in the Great Patriotic War and have orange stripes, not yellow. The fact is that since the fall of 1941, units, formations and ships, for their courage and heroism personnel which they showed in defending the Fatherland was assigned honorary title “Gvardeyskaya”, “Gvardeysky”, and not “Georgievsky” or “Georgievskaya”.
In fact, everything is simple - the guards ribbon is characteristic of Soviet era reign, while St. George's - for the royal one. And they differed slightly - in color and width of the stripes. The Bolsheviks, who abolished the award system in 1917, only copied the tsar's award in 1941, changing the color slightly.
Guards ribbon in the USSR. Postcard. By the way, according to a common version, the term “guard” appeared in Italy in the 12th century and designated a selected detachment for guarding the state banner. In Russia, the first guard detachments were created in 1565 by decree of Ivan the Terrible - they were all part of his personal guard. Today they are called bodyguards, and in the times of Ivan the Terrible - guardsmen. The basis personal guard the king was made up of the “best” representatives of the most noble families and descendants appanage princes... The guardsmen had to stand out from the crowd, and like the monks, who were easy to distinguish by their black robes, a special black clothes for the royal guard. This fact, by the way, explains the color of the clothes of modern bodyguards...
Paradoxically, the Bolsheviks, hating everything tsarist, overthrew the term “Georgievsky”, returned in 1941 another tsarist term “Guards”, but called it their own, Soviet...
No. 7. When first appeared
The St. George Ribbon appeared on November 26 (December 7) 1769. under Catherine II, along with the Order of St. George - the highest military award Russian Empire. The motto of the order was: “For service and bravery.”
Catherine II with the Order of St. George, 1st degree. F. Rokotov, 1770 The first holder of the order was the Empress herself - on the occasion of its establishment... And “For service and courage” - Fyodor Ivanovich Fabritsian - Russian general, hero of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774.
Under his command, a special detachment of Jaeger battalions and part of the 1st Grenadier Regiment, numbering 1,600 people, completely defeated a Turkish detachment of 7,000 people and occupied the city of Galati. For this feat, on December 8, 1769, Fabritian was the first in history to be awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree.
And the first a complete gentleman Order of St. George, became an outstanding Russian commander, commander-in-chief of the Russian army during the Patriotic War of 1812, student and comrade-in-arms of A.V. Suvorov - Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov.
Last lifetime portrait M. I. Kutuzova, R. M. Volkov, 1813. In the portrait, the Badge of the Order of St. George, 1st degree (cross) on the St. George ribbon (behind the hilt of the sword) and its quadrangular star (2nd from the top). No. 8. Ribbon color
The ribbon was worn depending on the class of the gentleman: either in the buttonhole, or around the neck, or over the right shoulder. The ribbon came with a lifelong salary. After the death of the owner, it was inherited, but due to the commission of a shameful offense it could be confiscated from the owner. The Order Statute of 1769 contained following description tapes: "Silk ribbon o three black and two yellow stripes."
However, as the images show, in practice, not so much yellow as orange was initially used in practice (from a heraldic point of view, both orange and yellow are just variants of displaying gold).
The traditional interpretation of the colors of the St. George's ribbon states that black means smoke, orange means flame . Chief Chamberlain Count Litta wrote in 1833: “the immortal legislator who founded this order believed that the ribbon connects it color of gunpowder and color of fire ».
However, a prominent specialist in Russian faleristics, Serge Andolenko, points out that black and yellow colors, in fact, they only reproduce the colors of the state emblem: black double headed eagle on a golden background.
The image of George both on the state emblem and on the cross (award) itself had the same colors: on a white horse white George in a yellow cloak killing a black serpent with a spear, respectively, a white cross with a yellow-black ribbon.
"The Miracle of George about the Dragon" (icon, end XIV century) No. 9. Why is it named after St. George the Victorious?
This saint has become extremely popular since the times early Christianity. In the Roman Empire, starting from the 4th century, churches dedicated to George began to appear, first in Syria and Palestine, then throughout the East. In the West of the empire, Saint George was considered the patron saint of chivalry, participants crusades; he is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. In Rus' since ancient times, St. George was revered under the name Yuri or Yegory.
According to one version, the cult of St. George, as often happened with Christian saints, was put forward as opposed to the pagan cult of Dionysus , temples were built on the site of the former sanctuaries of Dionysus, and holidays were celebrated in his honor on the days of Dionysius.
The name George comes from the Greek. γεωργός - farmer. In the popular consciousness they coexist two images of the saint: one of them is close to the church cult of St. George - a serpent fighter and a Christ-loving warrior, another, very different from the first, to the cult of the cattle breeder and tiller, the owner of the land, the patron of livestock, who opens the spring field work
Saint George, together with the Virgin Mary, is considered heavenly patron Georgia and is the most revered saint among Georgians. According to local legends, George was a relative of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the enlightener of Georgia. And the Cross of St. George is present on the flag of the Georgian church. It first appeared on Georgian banners under Queen Tamara.
This is interesting:
It is well known that the St. George Ribbon appeared along with Order of St. George. So, since St. George was considered a Christian saint, how should Muslim defenders be rewarded? Thus, for non-believers, a version of the order was provided, in which, instead of St. George, the coat of arms of Russia, a double-headed eagle, was depicted. The model of the order with an eagle was approved by Nicholas I on August 29, 1844 during Caucasian War, and the first to receive the new badge was Major Dzhamov-bek Kaitagsky. In this regard, in the memoirs and fiction There are moments when officers, immigrants from the Caucasus, are perplexed:
“Why did they give me a cross with a bird, and not with a horseman?”
Badge of the Order of the 3rd class. for officers of non-Christian faith, since 1844 No. 10. Restoration of the Order of St. George
Once abolished by the Bolsheviks, the Order of St. George has today been restored, and by Decree of the President of Russia No. 1463 of August 8, 2000, it acts as the highest military award Russia. The restored Order of St. George has the same external signs, as in tsarist time. Unlike the previous order, the order of awarding has been slightly changed: not only the 3rd and 4th degrees, but all degrees are given sequentially. An annual pension is not provided for holders of the order, whereas under Catherine II a pension was provided - it was received throughout life. After the death of the gentleman, his widow received a pension for him for another year.
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