Jews throughout Christian Europe were often forced to wear special badges on their clothing, as enforced by decrees such as one from Emperor Ferdenand I. In France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, the Jewish badge, or ‘Rule’, was a round or ring-shaped piece of fabric, usually yellow, red, or red and white. In some places, wearing the Jewish hat was also mandated by law. The badge was resented by Jews, who viewed it as oppressive and degrading. Governments even used it as a way to exact money from the Jewish community; exemption from the badge could often be brought. Enforcement of the Jewish badge and other restrictions on Jewish dress continued throughout Christian Europe for over four centuries.

Man and woman wearing the Jewish badge.
Drawings, Germany, 16th cen.
(Hessische Landes-und Hochschulbibliothek Darmstadt)