Rosettes, Ribbons & Cockades: The History Behind a Familiar Symbol
For centuries, skilled artisans have created these meaningful objects, and inspire creative interpretations today.
As a kid, I won an art contest for a collage I made. I don’t remember many details about the artwork, but I do remember the ribbon I received and that the (errr, illustrious? infamous?) politician Trent Lott, who was there to present the awards, called my collage a “college,” with a look of real confusion on his face as he read off the list. Ha! But the prize ribbon was lovely, y’all!
There are symbols we all seem to recognize instantly, even if we don't remember learning about them. The pleated ribbon, arranged in a circle with dangling tails, is one such symbol. Maybe you remember receiving a ribbon at a school art show, like I do, or seeing one pinned to a prize-winning pie at the county fair. It seems almost universally understood: this means someone won something, achieved something, or belonged to something.
This symbol has traveled through so many corners of culture, from revolutions and suffragettes to dog shows and reenactments.
Join me as I explore my curiosity about the rich, diverse, and creative history of rosettes, cockades, and prize ribbons. These handmade (until recently) treasures aren't just decorative; they're connected to history, politics, and community. And an aspect I especially enjoy is their potential for creative interpretation.
What Is a Rosette? A Cockade? A Prize Ribbon? In simple terms…
A rosette is a circular decoration, usually pleated, ruffled, or gathered, often made of ribbon and sometimes layered. From what I understand, this is the catchall term for the others.
A cockade (also called a cocarde) is a specific type of rosette, traditionally worn on a hat, and used to show political allegiance or military affiliation.
A prize ribbon is more general; it can be a simple flat strip or include a rosette. It is used to recognize achievement or participation. A prize ribbon has evolved from other types, is often machine-made today, and can be found in variety stores worldwide.
They look similar, and in many ways, they overlap, sometimes being referred to as badges when worn on the lapel; however, their meanings and uses have evolved over time.
Where They Originated: Symbol, Allegiance, Identity
Military & Political Roots: The cockade originated in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. For example, during the French Revolution, citizens wore a tricolor cockade to show their loyalty to the new Republic. The shape and color held real meaning and consequences. (Check out this Wikipedia article to learn about the history of many cockades from different countries. These were commonly made from fabric or ribbon and later expanded to include other materials, such as leather, yarn, embroidery, and metal.)
Fraternal Orders & Civic Societies: In the 19th century, rosette-style ribbons became common among organizations such as the Freemasons, Odd Fellows, fire brigades, and mutual aid societies. These were elaborate, symbolic displays of allegiance, duties, or positions, as well as participation in events. They often featured tassels, fringes, text, photographs, and other decorative elements.
Mourning Culture: During national tragedies, such as the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, black mourning cockades and ribbons were commonly worn. These were somber, pleated symbols of grief and unity.
The Suffragettes: The women fighting for the right to vote used ribboned rosettes in specific colors to signify their cause. These were worn on hats, sashes, and coats.
Award Culture: From the Parade Ground to the School Gym
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these folded and rouched ribbons had expanded from politics to pageantry. Agricultural fairs, dog shows, science fairs, and classroom competitions all embraced rosettes as symbols of achievement.
Color schemes were standardized (blue for first place in the U.S., red in the U.K.), and factory production made these symbols more consistent and widespread.
Where are people using and making these today?
In Japan and elsewhere, cockade-style rosettes have been reimagined in fan culture, where people build layered badge displays around character pins ("can badge rosettes") and wear them on their bags or purses, known as ita-bags.
They are popular in millinery work for alternative fashion scenes, particularly within the steampunk, cosplay, and historic reenactment communities.
They’ve been spotted at nearly every celebration we have: birthday parties, gender reveals, retirement parties, graduations, proms, and more.
I’ve seen oversized versions, stunning examples crafted with fine materials for a splurge purchase, and incredibly creative ones made from unexpected materials.
The rosette is a shorthand that communicates without words. It says you belong, you did something, you matter. Whether it’s on a hat in 1793 Paris or a preschooler’s backpack in 2025, it delivers that same emotional impact.
A few years ago, without knowing the little bit of history I do now, I made one for my former boss as a small token of appreciation. He particularly likes the look and feel of canvas, so that is what I used, along with some simple hand embroidery. I am eager to make more. I really want to learn the elaborately dense pleating method, and I think I need to do so soon because M & J Trimming is going out of business and having a big sale! Should we learn together? I also think it would be fun to make some paper versions as gift toppers!
If you'd like to see more, I’ve curated a Pinterest board featuring museum artifacts and images from contemporary artists working in this medium today, and more, and more, and more.
Further reading: Heather of Creative Cockades delves into this subject in depth.
It would be so fun to have a make along. I have made them for my girlfriends when we got to the first colonoscopy age…seemed like something that needed a ribbon
Love this! I feel like I'm always pitching some format of a prize ribbon for various projects. You probably have seen these but I love the ones Natalie Baxter makes too - https://www.nataliebaxter.com/ribbons