What does the Orange Ribbon mean?

Awareness ribbons have been used throughout the years to raise awareness for different causes and disorders. When the ribbons are worn as pins, brooches, or bracelets, they are a great way to spark conversation and spread word about the specific cause the ribbons are for. 

What does the orange ribbon mean?

The orange ribbon is used by many different foundations for various causes such as:

Harmony Day

For Australians, the orange ribbon is commonly seen during Harmony Day. Harmony Day is held during March 21 and celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. The day is to promote inclusiveness and acknowledge the multicultural communities in Australia. 

Leukaemia 

The Leukaemia ribbon is also an orange ribbon. Leukaemia is a type of cancer which affects blood cells and disrupts the body’s ability to fight infections. It is also the most common cancer found in children. By wearing an orange Leukaemia ribbon, it pays respect to those who fought and are currently fighting the cancer. 

Motorcycle Safety

In addition, the orange ribbon is used to raise motorcycle safety awareness along with the slogan, “Look twice, save a life”. As motorbikes do not offer much protection, bikers are usually more at risk when accidents occur. Hence, the motorcycle safety day and the orange ribbon is to remind those on the road to be more careful and mindful while driving to provide a safer environment for bikers. 

Other Health Conditions:

The orange ribbon is also used to represent different health conditions such as the following:

• Multiple Sclerosis: A disorder where an individual’s immune system destroys their nerves. This hinders communication between the body and brain which causes symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and reduced coordination. 
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome: A disorder which occurs after a heart attack or stroke, causing long lasting pain in the arms or legs. 
• Kidney Cancer
• Spinal Cancer
• Malnutrition

Ready made orange awareness ribbon is available here. Awareness ribbons with your logo printed is also available, see our custom ribbon page.

Check out our blog, Awareness Ribbons: Colours and Meanings, to find out more about different types of awareness ribbons and what they are used for.