Black armband

Symbol of mourning
Richard Norris Wolfenden wearing a black armband, c. 1905.

A black armband is an armband that is coloured black to signify that the wearer is in mourning or wishes to identify with the commemoration of a family member or friend who has died.

In sport, especially association football, cricket, and Australian rules football, players will often wear black armbands following the death of a former player or manager.[1][2]

Black armbands are also worn by uniformed organizations, such as the police, fire services or military, at the funeral or on the death of a sovereign.

Historical examples

  • Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia wearing a black armband in a 1614 portrait
    Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia wearing a black armband in a 1614 portrait
  • William Tecumseh Sherman in May 1865, wearing a black ribbon after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
    William Tecumseh Sherman in May 1865, wearing a black ribbon after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
  • Leopold III of Belgium, wearing a black armband contemporary with his ascension to the throne following the death of his father, Albert I
    Leopold III of Belgium, wearing a black armband contemporary with his ascension to the throne following the death of his father, Albert I
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt wearing a black armband in mourning of his mother.
    Franklin D. Roosevelt wearing a black armband in mourning of his mother.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Black armbands.
  1. ^ Sunam, Ashim (2016-12-15). "History of black armbands and its use in sports including football, cricket among others". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  2. ^ "Why are England wearing black armbands for Boxing Day Test?". www.sportingnews.com. Retrieved 2022-01-11.