Remembrance poppy

What is Remembrance poppy?

A remembrance poppy is a red artificial flower, usually made of paper, cloth, or plastic, with a black centre. It is worn on clothing, often near the heart, in the weeks before Remembrance Day or Anzac Day. Some countries use different designs; for example, the Canadian poppy has four petals and no leaf, while others may include a green leaf. Poppy wreaths are also laid at war memorials.

Where does Remembrance poppy come from?

The remembrance poppy was inspired by the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields', which described poppies growing among soldiers' graves in Belgium. Moina Michael in the United States first adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in 1918, and Anna Guérin from France promoted it as a way to raise funds for veterans. The idea spread quickly, with the American Legion, Royal British Legion, and other veterans' groups adopting it in the early 1920s. The poppy became a widespread emblem of remembrance across the Commonwealth and beyond.

How Remembrance poppy is made

Remembrance poppies are produced by veterans' associations, often using paper, cloth, or plastic. In some countries, they are made by veterans themselves. The poppies are distributed in exchange for donations, usually in the weeks before Remembrance Day or Anzac Day. Designs vary by country, but most feature a red flower with a black centre and may include a pin or sticker for fastening.

When and where Remembrance poppy is used

People wear remembrance poppies on their clothing to honour those who died in war, especially in the weeks before Remembrance Day (11 November) or Anzac Day (25 April in New Zealand). Poppies are also used in wreaths placed at war memorials. Funds raised from poppy sales support veterans and their families. In Canada, it is common to lay poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after the national Remembrance Service.

Forms of Remembrance poppy

Different countries have their own poppy designs. Canada uses a four-petalled poppy with a black centre, while the UK version often includes a green leaf. In France, the 'bleuet de France' (cornflower) is worn instead of a poppy. Some Caribbean countries use the Canadian design. There are also commemorative pins and stickers for those unable to wear the standard poppy.

What Remembrance poppy means

The remembrance poppy is a powerful symbol of memory and respect for those lost in war. It is especially linked to World War I but now honours all military casualties. The poppy is protected as a trademark by veterans' groups in several countries. Public ceremonies, art installations, and charity appeals often feature the poppy, making it a visible part of national remembrance.

Traditions that use it

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Remembrance poppy

Good reading and sources

• UK ‘poppy hijab’Al Jazeera, Article
• Prince William calls on Fifa to overturn ban on England shirt poppiesThe Guardian, Article
• WWII plane drops poppies over YeovilBBC, Article
• Nemanja Matic: Man Utd midfielder explains why he will not wear poppyBBC, Article

• Remembrance poppy on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data