The ribbon that is torn and pinned on apparel on the left for children and the right for spouse. What is the significance?
Thank you for your question. According to Jewish tradition, a person is supposed to tear their outer garments when a close relative passes away. There is no real basis for tearing a black ribbon, and it is a recent practice which has become standard among Conservative and Reform Jews. The torn garment should be displayed openly, and should be worn during the entire Shiva (seven days of mourning after burial).
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch writes that we perform the action of rending one’s garments with the intention of illustrating how the loss of a relative has impacted us. The fact that a loved one is no longer with us has caused a “rip,” so to speak, in our surroundings, in our environ. Things are not as they once were. When we tear our garments, we are tearing that which surrounds us, that which is around us, to illustrate the immediate impact of the loss. (taken from this article on Torah.org).
Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler