In the last couple of years there has been a rise in popularity of wearing ribbons and bows. This had
us thinking, what if wearing ribbons and bows became a reminder of prayer?
Other than the unique designs from our silk scarves incorporated into hairbows, the shape of the
bow can serve as a reminder of God’s nearness and His covenant with us.
After the Great Flood, God tells Noah “I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the
covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). We picture a rainbow, but the shape is meant
to look like a bow and arrow weapon that has been hung up in the sky. A sign of no more
raging—man is called to order. We are called to receive His promise of peace through Christ.
We know how the story goes. There are many other mediators and prophets in the Old Testament
after Noah who continue to fail at keeping peace and living out the covenant. Finally, God becomes
man to set us free. Just as promised in the beginning through the Protoevangelium (Genesis
3:15)—He has not left us to figure it out on our own. Death does not have the final say. God is
good on His word. So, we look to the rainbow that comes after any storm as a reminder of the
Lord’s nearness and constancy.
The promise through the hanging of a bow can be reflected in the tying up of a bow in our hair, a
reminder of God’s constancy. It can be a reminder to us that there will be peace and healing comes
in due season.
We are not alone in the healing process. Bows and ribbons can also remind us of the nearness of the
communion of saints who have suffered and triumphed. Here are some saints who also wore
ribbons and bows:
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
Bl. Chiara Luce Badano
St. Jacinta
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Marguerite Bays
By wearing something that reminds us of a saint, we can be comforted in knowing that we are joined
to those in Heaven even now.
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