There is an interesting story behind the blue ribbon given to winners of athletic events and other competitions. Britain's highest order of Knighthood is the Most Noble Order of the Garter, which has a badge of dark blue velvet ribbon edged with gold that is worn beneath the left knee. Inscribed on the ribbon in gold is the motto
Home soit qui mal y pense ('shame to him who thinks evil of it"). Popular legend says that these words and the name of the order result from the gallantry of King Edward III: The king was dancing with the countess of Salisbury at a royal ball and when she lost her garter, he retrieved it and slipped it on his own leg to save her embarrassment, uttering the famous words. In any case, Edward III instituted the award in about 1344 and the blue ribbon awarded with it came to symbolize the highest honor in any field of endeavor.