In biblical times, ribbons were not merely decorative items but often held significant cultural and religious symbolism. While the term "ribbon" itself is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept of decorative bands or cords can be found in various contexts, particularly in relation to garments and religious observances.

Scriptural References and Symbolism

One of the closest references to ribbons in the Bible is found in the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the making of tassels on their garments. In Numbers 15:38-39 , God commands Moses: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at so that you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes."

The "blue cord" mentioned here can be likened to a ribbon, serving as a visual reminder of God's commandments. The color blue is often associated with divinity and heavenly authority, symbolizing the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. The tassels, adorned with these blue cords, were a physical representation of the spiritual and moral obligations of the people.

Cultural and Religious Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, ribbons and cords were commonly used in clothing and ceremonial attire. They often signified status, identity, or allegiance. In the biblical context, the use of a blue cord in the tassels of garments was a distinctive mark of the Israelites, setting them apart from surrounding nations and reminding them of their unique calling as God's chosen people.

The practice of wearing tassels with blue cords was a daily, tangible expression of faith and obedience. It served as a constant reminder to live according to God's laws and to maintain purity in thought and action. This practice underscores the importance of external symbols in reinforcing internal spiritual truths.

Application in Worship and Daily Life

The principle behind the use of ribbons or cords in biblical times can be applied to modern Christian life. Just as the Israelites used physical reminders to keep God's commandments at the forefront of their minds, Christians today might use symbols such as crosses, bracelets, or other items to remind themselves of their faith and commitment to God's teachings.

While the specific practice of wearing tassels with blue cords is not a requirement for Christians, the underlying message of living a life that visibly reflects one's faith remains relevant. The use of symbols, whether in clothing, jewelry, or other forms, can serve as a personal and public testament to one's beliefs and values.

Conclusion

In summary, while ribbons as a term may not be explicitly detailed in the Bible, the concept of decorative cords, particularly in the form of blue tassels, plays a significant role in illustrating the Israelites' devotion and obedience to God. These symbols served as daily reminders of their covenant with the Lord and their commitment to His commandments.

Letter iv. Personal Habits.
... A wicker rocking-chair had a cushion of bright-colored satine firmly tied in, and
matching the ribbons which were drawn through the bordering interstices of ...
/.../letter iv personal habits.htm

At Masaarah
... Egyptian within. By the annulets over his temples and the fringed ribbons pendent
therefrom, the Israelite knew him to be royal. Behind ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

But I First Say a Word Also About the Crown Itself. ...
... from C??sar? Is the laurel of the triumph made of leaves, or of corpses?
Is it adorned with ribbons, or with tombs? Is it bedewed ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xii but i first.htm

The visitation
... of hood. This garment was fastened in front with ribbons. Mary put it on
when she went into the Temple or into a synagogue. On the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

The Tribunal of Caiphas.
... clasps. His head-attire was high, and adorned with hanging ribbons, the
sides were open, and it rather resembled a bishop's mitre. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter vii the tribunal of.htm

True Greatness
... No epithet is more misused and misapplied than that of 'a great man.' It is flung
about indiscriminately as ribbons and orders are by some petty State. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/true greatness.htm

Gerhard Tersteegen
... He accordingly removed to a little cottage near M?�lheim, where for some years he
supported himself by weaving silk ribbons, and lived quite alone, except for ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/gerhard tersteegen.htm

The World
... [149] knots. ribbons. [150] the Statesman, Pym's career, with O. Cromwell's
by poetic insight, is here (1650) unquestionably photographed. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cxxxi the world.htm

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... nameless gods whose fears are on all flesh, and also to see the streets were spotted
with silver and scarlet, that there was a day for wearing ribbons or an ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

In one of the Few Remaining Streets of Rome which the Vandal Hand ...
... A grand piano stood open," a mandoline tied with bright ribbons, lay on a little
table near a cluster of roses and violets,"books, music, drawings, bits of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xvii in one of the.htm

Ribbons (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ribbons (1 Occurrence). Genesis 38:25 She is brought
out, and she hath sent unto her husband's father, saying ...
/r/ribbons.htm - 6k

Ribbon (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A narrow strip or shred; as, a steel or magnesium ribbon; sails torn
to ribbons. 3. (n.) Same as Rib-band. 4. (n.) Driving reins. ...
/r/ribbon.htm - 9k

Favor (184 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A gift or represent; something bestowed as an evidence of good will; a token
of love; a knot of ribbons; something worn as a token of affection; as, a ...
/f/favor.htm - 40k

Remnant (157 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A small portion; a slight trace; a fragment; a little bit; a scrap. 4.
(n.) An unsold end of piece goods, as cloth, ribbons, carpets, etc. Int. ...
/r/remnant.htm - 43k

Ribin (1 Occurrence)

/r/ribin.htm - 6k

Pregnant (33 Occurrences)
... father, saying, 'To a man whose these 'are', I 'am' pregnant;' and she saith, 'Discern,
I pray thee, whose 'are' these -- the seal, and the ribbons, and the ...
/p/pregnant.htm - 16k

Breastplate (45 Occurrences)
... 39:8-21). It was in size about ten inches square. The two upper corners
were fastened to the ephod by blue ribbons. It was not to ...
/b/breastplate.htm - 24k

Headdress (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A manner of dressing the hair or of adorning it, whether with or without
a veil, ribbons, combs, etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HEADDRESS. ...
/h/headdress.htm - 8k

Husband's (19 Occurrences)
... father, saying, 'To a man whose these 'are', I 'am' pregnant;' and she saith, 'Discern,
I pray thee, whose 'are' these -- the seal, and the ribbons, and the ...
/h/husband's.htm - 13k

Seal (47 Occurrences)
... father, saying, 'To a man whose these 'are', I 'am' pregnant;' and she saith, 'Discern,
I pray thee, whose 'are' these -- the seal, and the ribbons, and the ...
/s/seal.htm - 38k

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