ribbon symbolism

i’ve always been fascinated by the concept of clandestine communication through fashion choices. spies can pass messages to eachother by the way they tie their shoes, drug dealers apparently advertise their wares via rolled trouser legs, and gay dudes and gang members have their own handkercheif code. added to this list is this glittering tidbit from wikipædia regarding the cloche (flapper-style) hats of the 1920s »

Often, different styles of ribbons affixed to the hats indicated different messages about the wearer. Several popular messages included: An arrow-like ribbon which indicated a girl was single but had already given her heart to someone, a firm knot which signaled marriage or a flamboyant bow which indicated the wearer was single and interested in mingling.

apparently, ribbons were the gel bracelets of the prohibition era.