MOSCOW, May 6 (RIA Novosti) – St. George’s ribbon is perceived in many countries of the former USSR as a symbol of Russia, and in Russia itself it contributes to the shaping of the national idea of patriotism, according to experts.
"First and foremost, the St. George’s ribbon campaign is a non-profit and non-political one," the head of volunteer initiatives of the Student Community Elena Kozlova told RIA Novosti.
“The ribbon is not a military decoration, but a symbol of remembrance of the Great Patriotic War and its military victories,” she added.
Yuri Nikiforov, the head of the scientific department of the Russian Military Historical Society, said that the color of St. George’s ribbon has taken on a new meaning outside of Russia.
"The colors of St. George’s ribbon are a symbol of Russia in many regions and countries of the former USSR. Those who wear it today in Ukraine not just celebrate or tribute the victory in the Great Patriotic War. A lot of people are risking their health and lives by daring to wear St. George’s ribbon in Ukraine," Nikiforov said.
“By wearing this symbol, among other things, we show our solidarity with the anti-fascists, who are indeed fighting fascism today in Ukraine,” he added.
Kozlova noted the ribbon is a symbol of remembrance that should be treated with respect and not worn as an accessary.
"People often put these ribbons in their hair, which you should not do, because the ribbon is not a decoration, it is a symbol. It can be worn just below the neck and above the waist, for example, on the lapel of your cloth. It can be worn on a bag strap, or be placed on the antenna of the car. You can also tie a ribbon to the wrist. But you cannot tie it to the belt or your pants," Kozlova explained.
"It is very important to raise awareness, to focus attention on the fact that St. George’s ribbon is also a Guards symbol. Soldiers from a lot of military units, who were fighting in wars, who came back victorious to be awarded with the title of the Guard, then replaced the usual ribbon in their cap with this Guards symbol. It was a great honor," the deputy chief of the Nakhimov Naval School of educational work Vladimir Pyatnitsyn said.
“The ribbon should not be used as an accessory. Let me remind you that it entails blood, flames and smoke,” he said.
The St. George’s ribbon campaign began in 2005 on the initiative of RIA Novosti and a social organization for young people, Student Community. Since then, it has been held annually. Millions of people not only in Moscow, but across Russia and other countries are displaying St. George's ribbon as a symbol of memory and military glory on the eve of Victory Day.
