White poppy
A peace symbol worn for Remembrance Day and Anzac Day
The white poppy is a flower symbol worn to remember all victims of war and to express a hope for peace. First sold in the United Kingdom in 1933, it is now worn in several countries, sometimes alongside the red remembrance poppy, especially around Remembrance Day and Anzac Day.
- First sold in the UK in 1933 by the Co-operative Women's Guild
- Worn for Remembrance Day and Anzac Day as a symbol of peace
- White poppy appeals in New Zealand fund peace scholarships
- Supported by peace groups and some religious organisations
- Wreaths of white poppies are laid at war memorials
What is White poppy?
The white poppy is a simple artificial flower, usually with white petals and a centre, worn on clothing as a badge or pinned to the chest. It is most often seen in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day or Anzac Day, either on its own or alongside the more common red poppy. White poppy wreaths are also laid at war memorials as a mark of remembrance and a call for peace.
Where does White poppy come from?
The idea for a white poppy as a peace symbol began in the United Kingdom in the 1920s, as a response to the red remembrance poppy. Pacifists wanted a symbol that would remember all victims of war and express a hope to end all wars. The Co-operative Women's Guild first sold white poppies in 1933, and the Peace Pledge Union began distributing them in 1936. Over time, the white poppy became linked with anti-war movements and groups supporting nonviolence.
How White poppy is made
White poppies are usually made from fabric or paper, shaped into a simple flower with a white centre. They are assembled by hand or machine, then sold by peace groups and charities. In New Zealand, the annual white poppy appeal raises funds for peace scholarships. Wreaths of white poppies are also made for laying at memorials.
When and where White poppy is used
People wear white poppies in the weeks before Remembrance Day in November and Anzac Day in April, to remember all those affected by war and to show support for peace. In New Zealand, they are also worn around Hiroshima Day in August. White poppy wreaths are laid at war memorials, and the symbol is used by peace groups and some religious organisations.
Forms of White poppy
While the basic white poppy design remains the same, some people wear it alongside the red poppy, and others create homemade versions. In rare cases, additional symbols or pins are added, sometimes leading to debate. The purple poppy is another related symbol, used to remember animals affected by war.
What White poppy means
The white poppy is a symbol of peace and remembrance, but it has been controversial. Some see it as undermining the traditional red poppy, while others view it as an important statement for nonviolence. In the UK and New Zealand, the white poppy has sparked public debate, media coverage, and even political discussion. It continues to be worn by those who wish to broaden the meaning of remembrance.
Days and festivals
Questions people ask about White poppy
What does the white poppy symbolise?
The white poppy symbolises remembrance for all victims of war and a hope for peace. It is worn by people who want to remember casualties of all wars and promote nonviolence.
Where did the white poppy tradition start?
The white poppy tradition began in the United Kingdom in 1933, first sold by the Co-operative Women's Guild. It was created as a peace symbol in response to the red remembrance poppy.
When is the white poppy worn?
The white poppy is mainly worn in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day in November and Anzac Day in April. In New Zealand, it is also worn around Hiroshima Day in August.
Why is the white poppy sometimes controversial?
Some people believe the white poppy undermines the message of the traditional red poppy, while others see it as a necessary symbol for peace. Its use has sparked public and political debate, especially in the UK and New Zealand.
Who supports the white poppy campaign?
The white poppy is supported by peace groups like the Peace Pledge Union, some religious organisations, and individuals who advocate for nonviolence and broader remembrance.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "White poppy", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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