I never liked the song much, Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree, but that doesn't mean I can't sing it at will all these years later! These days, I see frequent reminders to pray for our troops on yellow-ribbon car magnets.
But not until a recent visit to Old Sacramento, California, did I learn the origins of the yellow ribbon. For almost 150 years, displaying a yellow ribbon is a sign of loyalty to family, friends and loved ones far away from home in difficult situations such as war or captivity.
According to legend, the custom of a yellow ribbon showing support for a loved one far away began during the Civil War. At this time, the United States Cavalry wore yellow piping on their uniforms. Women who were married or promised to a Cavalryman wore yellow ribbons while waiting for their soldiers' return. Supposedly the practice kept prospective suitors at bay as well as warned of reprisal by the soldier if his lover was harmed.
Another version of the custom traces its origins to the horrific Andersonville Prison. Officially known as Camp Sumpter, Andersonville was one of the largest, most notorious Confederate prison camps. During its 14 months of operation, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined, 13,000 losing their lives from disease, malnutrition, overcrowding, and exposure.
Supposedly a member of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry who had been a Confederate prisoner there for several years, wrote to his wife with the suggestion that, rather than wear her ribbon, she tie it to a signpost near the train station so he could see it upon his return. The tale soon became part of Civil War lore.
The following song spread throughout the North, its words set to an old British drinking song:
Around her neck she wore a yellow ribbon
She wore it in the Springtime and in the month of May.
And if you ask her why the hells he wore it,
She wore it for her soldier who is far, far away.
(Chorus)
Far away, far away.
She wore it for her soldier who is far, far away.
During the 1991 Gulf War and following 9/11, the yellow ribbon symbol has gained widespread popularity as it sends our service members the message that they are never far from our hearts.
Sincere thanks to the Old Sacramento School House Museum for this information.
~Tanya Hanson
www.tanyahanson.com
Tanya, thanks for the fascinating information. I had no idea the custom was so old--far older than the Tony Orlando song. ☺ And I love the Yellow Ribbon song about the girl who wore one round her neck. I think that was the music to a movie I once saw but can't remember who starred or when I saw it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteTanya--I never knew. What a good education on the yellow ribbon. When I see yellow ribbons on fences and front yards, I always get emotional. It's done quite a bit here in San Marcos, mainly in the Hispanic community--they're the ones who have more of their boys and men in the service around here--and they love these yellow ribbons. And I love to see them--it makes me wonderf each time--will their loved one come home? Or be forever lost to them.
ReplyDeleteThank you--well done.
It sounds like you had fun at Old Sacramento. We love taking out-of-town guests there to get a hankering of parts of the old west.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the entire tradition on the yellow ribbons either. Gives them a lot more meaning.
Great post.