It was, indeed, her first 'wife' letter; and within it was the precious love-token, her own
love-token - the bow of orange ribbon. She gave a sharp cry as it fell upon the desk; and then
she lifted and kissed it, and held it to her breast, as she rocked herself to and fro in a
passionate transport of triumphant love.
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The Bow of Orange Ribbon: A
Romance of New York by Amelia
E Barr
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Emblems of Venus, such as a pair of doves or two roses, were tenderly framed by a ribbon tied
in a bow to signify the bond of love. The marriage knot or knot of Hercules, represented a
feminine rite of passage from maiden to married woman and the strong knot created by two entwined
ropes symbolized the strength of a couple's union in marriage. This became known as a wedding
symbol and the phrase 'tying the knot'.
Yet 'ribbon language' was a playful means in court life for a woman to express unspoken
flirtatious messages. Bow jewels worn in the hair might mean a woman was looking for a man;
worn over the heart it meant she'd found her true love; worn on a ribbon around the neck it
had a teasing significance and worn at the cleavage signified "touch me!"
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