RIBBONISM

also called Ribandism Irish secret-society movement that began at the end of the 18th century in opposition to the Orange Society, or Protestant Orangemen. It was represented by various associations under different names, organized in lodges, and recruited all over Ireland from the lower classes. The actual name of Ribbonism (from a green badge worn by its members) became attached to the movement later, about 1826; and, after it had grown to its height in about 1855, it declined in force and was practically at an end in its old form when in 1871 Ribbonism was declared illegal.