Place Ribbons
Place ribbons have been around for so long that they are easily identified by people of all ages, nationalities and walks of life. Although there are more “places” and designations than just first, second and third place ribbons, the most recognizable include:
- First Place Ribbon – Typically blue, symbolizes top achievement.
- Second Place Ribbon – Often red, represents excellent performance.
- Third Place Ribbon – Usually white, acknowledges good effort as a top contender.
The Importance of Place Ribbons in Competitions
Recognizing achievements with ribbons has been a tradition of many cultures for centuries. Ribbons for first, second and third place have special symbolism attached to them.
A First Place Ribbon
First place ribbons have a rich tradition in competitive events, symbolizing the highest achievement. The first place ribbon color of blue was chosen for its association with calmness and excellence. Although the origin of award ribbons can be traced back at least to medieval times when knights were awarded ribbons and badges as symbols of their victories, the modern usage of ribbons in awards likely began in the early 19th century during formal horse racing events. The first place blue ribbon has since become a universal symbol of top performance and premier status in various competitions around the world.
A Second Place Ribbon
Second place ribbons are traditionally red, representing both the passion and effort required to achieve a high level of success. While not the top award, the red ribbon acknowledges significant accomplishment and excellence. The tradition of awarding a red ribbon to second-place finishers is thought to have roots in the same period as first place ribbons, especially popularized in horse racing and other competitive sports. The color red, often associated with energy and action, fittingly celebrates the commendable achievements of runners-up.
A Third Place Ribbon
Third place ribbons are commonly white, symbolizing honor and the commendable achievement of finishing among the top contenders. The use of white for third place is believed to signify purity and integrity, reflecting the honest effort and perseverance of the recipient. This tradition aligns with the practice of using distinct colors to quickly signify ranking in competitions, a method that became standardized in sports and academic events throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The white ribbon serves as a proud emblem for those who have made notable achievements in their fields.
Our Singles Carded Place Ribbons
If you don’t need a bulk order of place ribbons, we have predesigned ones that can be affordably purchased as singles. These are beautifully designed with a torch at the top surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves and a fleur-de-lis at the bottom. These are symbols often associated with awards and accomplishment:
- Torch: Symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge. It's often used in academic settings and sports to represent the passing of knowledge or the spirit of competition.
- Wreath of Laurel Leaves: Traditionally a symbol of victory and honor, laurel wreaths date back to ancient Greece where they crowned poets and victors in athletic competitions. It represents achievement and excellence.
- Fleur-de-lis: Often associated with French royalty, the fleur-de-lis symbolizes purity, light, and life. In modern contexts, it is frequently used to denote perfection, light, and a noble cause.
How Many “Places” in Ribbons Do You Have?
Our place ribbons go up to tenth place and also include options for “Merit,” “Special” and “Participant.” These offer great ways to celebrate all who had the courage to take part in an event, competition, or performance.
Customized Place Ribbons
We have customization options for orders of ten or more in first, second and third place ribbons. These are perfect to include logos, mottos, colors, and other identifiers for your school or organization. Ordering in larger quantity allows you to make sure you have several on hand for the many competitions and events you host throughout the year.
Why Choose Ribbons Galore?
At Ribbons Galore, we know ribbons like the backs of our hands, but there are many reasons why ordering from us makes the most sense:
- Durable, High-Quality Materials
- Endless Customization Options
- Affordability & Bulk Options
- Fast Turnaround
- Responsive & Courteous Customer Service
- Great Reviews & Customer Satisfaction
Ready to Reward With Ribbons For First, Second and Third Place?
Browse our collections of ribbons for first, second and third place and all the way up to tenth! Make sure you have ribbons on hand for all your events so you can encourage particiaption and reward excellence. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please reach out–we welcome the opportunity to help you make the right selection for your place ribbons and celebrations!
Place Ribbons
Place ribbons have been around for so long that they are easily identified by people of all ages, nationalities and walks of life. Although there are more “places” and designations than just first, second and third place ribbons, the most recognizable include:
- First Place Ribbon – Typically blue, symbolizes top achievement.
- Second Place Ribbon – Often red, represents excellent performance.
- Third Place Ribbon – Usually white, acknowledges good effort as a top contender.
The Importance of Place Ribbons in Competitions
Recognizing achievements with ribbons has been a tradition of many cultures for centuries. Ribbons for first, second and third place have special symbolism attached to them.
A First Place Ribbon
First place ribbons have a rich tradition in competitive events, symbolizing the highest achievement. The first place ribbon color of blue was chosen for its association with calmness and excellence. Although the origin of award ribbons can be traced back at least to medieval times when knights were awarded ribbons and badges as symbols of their victories, the modern usage of ribbons in awards likely began in the early 19th century during formal horse racing events. The first place blue ribbon has since become a universal symbol of top performance and premier status in various competitions around the world.
A Second Place Ribbon
Second place ribbons are traditionally red, representing both the passion and effort required to achieve a high level of success. While not the top award, the red ribbon acknowledges significant accomplishment and excellence. The tradition of awarding a red ribbon to second-place finishers is thought to have roots in the same period as first place ribbons, especially popularized in horse racing and other competitive sports. The color red, often associated with energy and action, fittingly celebrates the commendable achievements of runners-up.
A Third Place Ribbon
Third place ribbons are commonly white, symbolizing honor and the commendable achievement of finishing among the top contenders. The use of white for third place is believed to signify purity and integrity, reflecting the honest effort and perseverance of the recipient. This tradition aligns with the practice of using distinct colors to quickly signify ranking in competitions, a method that became standardized in sports and academic events throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The white ribbon serves as a proud emblem for those who have made notable achievements in their fields.
Our Singles Carded Place Ribbons
If you don’t need a bulk order of place ribbons, we have predesigned ones that can be affordably purchased as singles. These are beautifully designed with a torch at the top surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves and a fleur-de-lis at the bottom. These are symbols often associated with awards and accomplishment:
- Torch: Symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge. It's often used in academic settings and sports to represent the passing of knowledge or the spirit of competition.
- Wreath of Laurel Leaves: Traditionally a symbol of victory and honor, laurel wreaths date back to ancient Greece where they crowned poets and victors in athletic competitions. It represents achievement and excellence.
- Fleur-de-lis: Often associated with French royalty, the fleur-de-lis symbolizes purity, light, and life. In modern contexts, it is frequently used to denote perfection, light, and a noble cause.
How Many “Places” in Ribbons Do You Have?
Our place ribbons go up to tenth place and also include options for “Merit,” “Special” and “Participant.” These offer great ways to celebrate all who had the courage to take part in an event, competition, or performance.
Customized Place Ribbons
We have customization options for orders of ten or more in first, second and third place ribbons. These are perfect to include logos, mottos, colors, and other identifiers for your school or organization. Ordering in larger quantity allows you to make sure you have several on hand for the many competitions and events you host throughout the year.
Why Choose Ribbons Galore?
At Ribbons Galore, we know ribbons like the backs of our hands, but there are many reasons why ordering from us makes the most sense:
- Durable, High-Quality Materials
- Endless Customization Options
- Affordability & Bulk Options
- Fast Turnaround
- Responsive & Courteous Customer Service
- Great Reviews & Customer Satisfaction
Ready to Reward With Ribbons For First, Second and Third Place?
Browse our collections of ribbons for first, second and third place and all the way up to tenth! Make sure you have ribbons on hand for all your events so you can encourage particiaption and reward excellence. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please reach out–we welcome the opportunity to help you make the right selection for your place ribbons and celebrations!