Some might think that lapel pins are part of pop culture, which branded out in the late 90’s. The trend of these pins started when pop culture gave attention to past movements that appealed to that era. After all, the exposure of young people to these pins revolves around vintage pins that bear their favorite band, product, or issue that happened a few decades ago. These lapel pins are now used as fashion accessories or as items for collections of classic things. One thing right about these pins is that they are old.
The beginning of custom label pins started around the time of the Civil War era. Originally, these pins were used in military operations. The first kinds of these ornaments were used as identification purposes of the opposing side of the Civil War. These pins were used to identify the different units of the armies as well. This helped determine whether a soldier was fighting for or against an army.
Lapel pins also gained recognition because they were used as awarding tokens and badges to soldiers and generals. During the First World War, lapel pins were used as symbols of merit to key people who showed excellent service to the country. These pins weren’t attached to the clothes; rather they were presented as ribbons or pendants on chains. These pins were huge in size as well, compared to the small ones people are used to today. These emblems bear the reason for the award or merit.
After a while, the use of custom lapel pins spread in the world of politics. The communist party revolutionized the concept of pride upon wearing customized pins that bear the communist symbol. They wore this as proof of affiliation to the political party, making them feel superior above the others. Government agencies and departments utilized the lapel pin as well, wearing them for identification purposes. The CIA and FBI also wore these lapel pins. By then, the use of the lapel pin was getting more popular. Opposing political parties and organizations got creative and designed their own pins to mock their opponents. Ironically, this event got more attention that the legitimate pins for the real groups. At the same time, the lapel pin also became easier to use.
In the late 1900’s, lapel pins gained more popularity because the use spread further to non-government organizations. Groups supporting various issues made use of custom label pins to instill awareness to the people of their causes. The peace revolution released creatively-designed pins to attract more people to support their movement. The circular ‘peace’ symbol became a worldwide icon. Later on, campaigns for peace from around the world eventually used the symbol. Opposing groups of the government also made use of the lapel pins to identify supporters from non-supporters. A historical example of the use of lapel pins dates back in the 1960’s, when the Communist party was gaining power over China. Lapel pins of Mao Tse Tung were worn by loyal members of the affiliation.
Another example is the American flag lapel pin. These custom label pins were popular after the 9/11 incident. These pins gained popularity worldwide, as some wore it to show support and solidarity with the American people during this conflict. Soon after, people brought the America flag pin back when the country was in disarray. People also acquired this design during celebrations of their Independence Day.
Since these custom label pins represent a great deal in history, pop culture somehow found a way to revive old sentiments. Military service pins are passed down to generations as a symbol of honor. Iconic pins are also passed down for future use to make a distinguished mark in history.