Ribbonism, Irish Catholic sectarian secret-society movement that was established at the beginning of the 19th century in opposition to the Orange Order, or Protestant Orangemen. It was represented by various associations under different names, organized in lodges, and recruited from among farmers and tradesmen. It was most prominent in Ulster, north Leinster, and north Connaught (Connacht). The actual name of Ribbonism (from a green badge worn by its members) became commonly attached to the movement from the 1820s. After the movement had grown to its height about 1855, it declined in force and was practically at an end in its old form when in 1871 Ribbonism was declared illegal.