You’ve probably seen it pinned to a lapel at a gala or tied to a fence during a local protest. Maybe you even own one but forgot exactly which cause it represents. The purple and green ribbon is one of those symbols that carries a massive amount of weight, yet people often mix it up with other awareness markers. It’s not just a random color choice. It’s a historical heavy-hitter.
Colors matter. They signal things to our brains before we even read a single word of a protest sign. When you mash purple and green together, you aren't just looking at a "nice combination." You’re looking at a legacy of suffrage, a fight for medical recognition, and a very specific type of civic pride.
Honestly, the history is a bit messy.
The Suffragette Connection: Where it All Started
If you go back to the early 20th century, specifically in the UK, the purple and green ribbon (usually accompanied by white) was the literal uniform of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). Emmeline Pankhurst and her crew didn't pick these colors because they were trendy. They were chosen by Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, the WSPU treasurer, for their deep symbolism.
Purple was for royalty—the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, representing the instinct of freedom and dignity. Green was for hope. It was the "evergreen" promise of a new beginning. While we often think of the 19th amendment in the US (which used gold, white, and purple), the British roots of the movement were firmly planted in that purple and green soil.
You’ve gotta realize how radical this was. Wearing these colors meant you were potentially willing to be arrested. It was a visual shout in a world that wanted women to stay quiet. Today, when people wear a purple and green ribbon in a political context, they are often tipping their hat to that original struggle for the vote. It’s a "thank you" to the women who went on hunger strikes and marched through the streets of London.
Modern Medical Awareness: Gastroparesis and Beyond
Fast forward to right now. If you see someone wearing a purple and green ribbon today, there’s a high chance they are raising awareness for Gastroparesis.
What is that?
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Basically, it's a condition where your stomach can't empty itself in the normal way. The muscles are paralyzed or just don't work right. It’s a "silent" illness. You can't see it from the outside, but it’s devastating for those living with it. The G-PACT (Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments) and other advocacy groups utilize these colors to bring attention to a digestive disorder that, frankly, doesn't get enough funding or research.
It’s interesting why they chose this specific combo. Purple is the universal color for many "invisible" illnesses (like Lupus or Fibromyalgia), while green often represents hope or organ donation/transplantation. Combining them creates a unique identifier for the Gastroparesis community.
- It helps patients find each other in a crowded room.
- It starts a conversation with people who have never heard the word "Gastroparesis."
- It creates a sense of "I'm not alone" in a very isolating health journey.
There is also a niche usage for Schizoaffective disorder. While silver is the primary ribbon for brain-related disorders, some advocacy pockets use the purple and green ribbon to represent the specific intersection of mood disorders (purple) and schizophrenia (often associated with green in certain regional health circles). It’s not as widely recognized as the Gastroparesis link, but it exists.
The "Double Awareness" Problem
Sometimes, a purple and green ribbon isn't one ribbon. It’s two.
This happens a lot in the "awareness world." You might have someone who is a survivor of Domestic Violence (purple) but is also an environmental activist (green). Or maybe they are supporting a loved one with Pancreatic Cancer (purple) while also advocating for Mental Health (green).
When you see them pinned together, it's a form of intersectional advocacy. It says, "I am more than one cause." It’s a way to personalize a movement. You’re telling a story about your life without saying a word.
Why Do People Keep Getting the Colors Wrong?
Look, it’s easy to get confused. There are hundreds of ribbon combinations. The purple and gold of the US suffragettes. The purple and blue for Foster Care. The purple and yellow for bladder cancer.
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The purple and green ribbon is distinct because of its high contrast. It’s "loud." In the world of visual communication, high-contrast colors are used when you want to be seen from a distance. That was the point for the suffragettes, and it remains the point for medical advocates today.
If you're making your own ribbon, don't just grab any shade. For the historical suffragette look, you want a deep, regal violet and a vibrant grass green. For Gastroparesis, it’s often a slightly softer orchid purple paired with a lime or Kelly green. Details matter.
The Cultural Impact of These Colors
Outside of the Western world, these colors can shift in meaning. In some parts of South America, the combination might be seen during specific regional festivals or associated with local soccer clubs. But in the globalized "Awareness Economy," the purple and green ribbon has a fairly solid identity.
It represents the underdog.
Whether it’s women fighting for the right to participate in democracy or patients fighting for doctors to take their stomach pain seriously, this ribbon is about the struggle for recognition. It’s about people who are tired of being told "not now" or "it's all in your head."
How to Support the Causes Behind the Ribbon
If you want to do more than just wear the ribbon, you have to get your hands dirty.
For the suffragette legacy, that means voting. It’s the simplest way to honor the purple and green ribbon. Every election, no matter how small. Local school board? Vote. Mayor? Vote. It’s the ultimate tribute.
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For Gastroparesis, it's about education. Most people think it’s just "an upset stomach." It isn't. It's life-altering. You can support organizations like G-PACT or the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). They do the heavy lifting when it comes to research and legislative advocacy.
Actionable Steps for Using the Ribbon Effectively
- Verify the Shade: If you are ordering ribbons for an event, check the specific hex codes for the organization you are supporting. There is a difference between "Mint" and "Forest Green" when it comes to brand recognition.
- Context is King: If you're wearing it to a political rally, people will assume the suffrage/feminist connection. If you're wearing it at a health fair, they'll think Gastroparesis. Be ready to explain both.
- Use the Right Hardware: Don't just use a cheap safety pin. If you're wearing a ribbon for a long period, get a magnetic backing or a high-quality enamel pin. It looks more professional and doesn't ruin your clothes.
- Digital Advocacy: Use the colors in your social media profile or email signature during the month of August (Gastroparesis Awareness Month).
The purple and green ribbon isn't going anywhere. It’s a piece of our history and a staple of our medical future. It’s a tiny strip of fabric that says: "I’m here, I’m fighting, and I’m not giving up."
To truly honor the symbol, learn the stories of the people who wore it first. Read up on the 1913 Suffrage Parade. Read the blogs of people living with feeding tubes due to Gastroparesis. Once you know the "why" behind the colors, the ribbon becomes a lot more than just an accessory. It becomes a badge of honor.
Check the calendar for local advocacy walks. Many Gastroparesis groups host "Green and Purple" walks in the late summer. It's a great way to meet the community. If you are a history buff, many museums have original WSPU memorabilia—take a look at how those colors have faded over a century, yet the message remains just as sharp.
Keep the conversation going. Wear the ribbon. Explain the history. Support the science. That is how you turn a simple piece of fabric into a movement.
Next Steps for Advocates
- Audit your gear: Ensure your awareness materials reflect the correct color ratios—usually a 50/50 split or a striped pattern for the purple and green ribbon.
- Contact local representatives: If you're supporting the medical side, ask about funding for functional GI disorders.
- Document your story: If you wear this ribbon for a personal reason, share that story online. Real human narratives drive more change than any logo ever could.