In It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey is seen with a "band" around his arm after his dad dies, what is it?

Question

While, Bailey is at the Building and Loan for a meeting, he is seen with a patch or band around his arm and coat. It is only seen in this scene, but given the historical events surrounding the movie, I was curious to know if it holds any special meaning or has any significance.

Answer 1

it is a "mourning band" men used to wear them to signify a death, just as women used to wear black dresses for a year of more. a symbol of sorrow and respect. widowed men wore them also, for a period of 1 year.

Answer 2

Bailey Band

Answer 3

It shows that he is in mourning. Wearing black to signify mourning has been a custom since the Romans wore black, wool togas, but the black armband emerged in the 19th century as a part of the English mourning tradition; England had a rigid set of rules about the amount of time you should mourn and what you should wear. Armbands were worn by servants or by family and friends during half mourning.

Answer 4

It's called a "Mourning Band". It was worn by men only out of respect for the deceased and to let others know the wearer was grieving for a recent death. Black neckties were also worn for this same reason.

Answer 5

a black band around ones arm is to show one is in mourning
dont know where that tradition stems from though, do a search on mourning bands for more info

Answer 6

that was our way of honoring our loved ones, and we also had military stars in the windows to show we had someone serving in the war, just the son's wore the black arm bands

Answer 7

It is a black arm band, signifying grief

Answer 8

It's tells people he is in mourning.