Wrapping Room :: Blog

Ribbon and Bows

Ribbon and bows are a favourite when it comes to gift wrapping, but it is not always realised what it is about ribbon that makes it so special. Decorative ribbons are ubiquitous throughout the civilised world, and they feature in just about every culture. Apart from their application in gift wrapping, they are used to decorate medals that symbolise bravery, they are worn in the hair to symbolise beauty, they are wrapped round the body for ceremonial occasions, they are used to decorate animals in ritualistic ceremonies, they are used to decorate buildings and trees and no doubt there are many other uses for them.

Ribbons were used both decoratively and ceremonially in the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and China. They feature in the ancient civilisations of Mexico and North America. Africans wore them as body decoration.

In western cultures the weaving of fine ribbons dates back to the eleventh century. It is said that the craft originated at a St. Etienne, a French town located in the Loire region. Strangely, in addition to its fame regarding ribbons, the town is most famous for the manufacture of arms; ribbon making spread throughout Europe. In Switzerland refugees from St. Etienne settled in Basel which became the Swiss centre. Krefeld became famous for German ribbons and in Britain the centre for fine ribbons was Coventry.

Bows too have a special history that relates back to ancient times. Bows are a modern equivalent of the ancient ceremonial knots which contained coded messages associated with mysticism and spirituality. They were also used to record events and were used in mathematical calculations.

Given the tremendous history behind them, it is not surprising that ribbons and bows have a special mystery and charm. Wrapping gifts with a ribbon tied in a bow will always convey a special message, and one that can be traced back to practically the dawn of civilisation.

Keep updated with...

Email Signup

Get the latest
product information,
promo offers and
news direct to your
inbox each week