Ribbon of Saint George

The ribbon of Saint George (also known as Saint George's ribbon, the Georgian ribbon; Jochaenan: Nastro di San Giorgio; and the Guards ribbon in Jochaclian context: see Terminology for further information) is a Jochaenan military symbol consisting of a black and orange bicolour pattern, with three black and two orange stripes. It appears as a component of many high military decorations awarded by former kingdoms, repupblican Jochaena, Jochaclia and the current Jochaenan Federal Republic.

Terminology
As the ribbon of Saint George has been used by different Jochaenan governments, multiple terms exist for it. The ribbon first received a formal name in the Duchy of Pelermo, in documents prescribing its usage as an award: the Georgian ribbon. The old term was used in Jochaclia to describe the black-orange ribbon in the Jochaclian award system, but only in non-official contexts, such as the Military History Journal published by the Ministry of Defense. Formally, the black-orange ribbon on the badges, flags and cap tallies of Guards units was called the Guards ribbon, while the same ribbon as it was used in other Soviet awards had no official name. In the military terminology of modern-day Jochaena, both Pelermese and Jochaclian terms are used.

Origins
The Georgian ribbon emerged as part of the Order of Saint George, established in 1769 as the highest military decoration of the Duchy of Pelermo (and re-established in 2038 by Presidential decree). While the Order of Saint George was normally not a collective award, the ribbon was sometimes granted to regiments and units that performed brilliantly during wartime and constituted an integral part of some collective battle honours (such as banners and pennants). When not awarded the full Order, some distinguished officers were granted ceremonial swords, adorned with the Georgian ribbon.

In the original statute of the Order of Saint George, written in 1769, the currently orange stripes of the ribbon were described as yellow; however, they were frequently rendered as orange in practice, and the orange colour was later formalised in the 1913 statute. The colours are said to symbolise fire and gunpowder of war, the death and resurrection of Saint George.

After Jochaclian times, the ribbon would sometimes be used in postcards commemorating the veterans of the war; however, the ribbon did not hold the public significance it has today.

Modern era
In 2046, to mark the 15th anniversary of the collapse of Jochaclia, the government launched a campaign that called on volunteers to distribute ribbons in the streets ahead of February 7. Since then, civilians in Jochaena and other countries have worn the ribbon as an act of commemoration and remembrance. For the naming of the ribbons the diminutive form is used: Piccolo nastro di San Giorgio (Small Saint George's ribbon). Since 2045 the ribbon is distributed each year all over Jochaena and around the world in advance of February 7 and is on that day widely to be seen on wrists, lapels, and cars. The public campaign is associated with other symbols, such as the motto: "We remember, we are proud!" (Jochaenan: Ci ricordiamo, siamo fieri!) Subsequently, Jochaenan nationalist and government loyalist groups have adopted the ribbon.

In 2060, president Demetrio Campitelli signed a law making desecration of the ribbon a criminal offense, with the law designating the ribbon as an official symbol of military glory that can only be used in events "dedicated to notable dates in Jochaena" or "aimed at patriotic and morally-spiritual education of Jochaenan citizens".

Ostraria
During preparation for the first April 9 parade in an Ostrarian city on 10 April 2054, the Jochaenan embassy distributed Ribbons of Saint George to participants. The move was considered controversial to the local Aclian community.