Poppies offer ways to remember people and animals affected by war.
Many wear poppies in November as part of Remembrance, to respect those who died in the First World War and later conflicts.
Red is best known, but other colours have separate meanings, with purple, black and white poppies also seen.
Why do we wear poppies on Remembrance Day?
Poppies are worn to honour military personnel who died in conflicts since the First World War.
The tradition was inspired by poppy fields growing where many battles took place.
Their sight inspired Canadian doctor and soldier Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields”.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae said: “In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row.”
The red poppy belongs to the Royal British Legion, a charity created by First World War veterans. It represents remembrance and hope.
What do purple poppies mean?
Purple poppies are often worn to remember animals that were victims of war.
Horses, dogs and pigeons were drafted into the war effort, and supporters believe their service should be recognised alongside human service.
Many horses were killed or injured in the First World War.
Donations to the Animal Purple Poppy Fund support charities including World Horse Welfare and the Household Cavalry Foundation.
The fund uses the word poppy with the Royal British Legion’s agreement.
What do black poppies mean?
The BlackPoppyRose was set up most recently, in 2010.
Selena Carty set it up and it is worn to remember the African, Black Peoples, West Indian, Caribbean, Pacific Islands & Indigenous communities' contributions in the great wars.
The Black Poppy Rose organisation aims to highlight “largely untold historical legacies” from the 16th century onwards.
Recommended reading:
- Why we wear poppies for Remembrance Day and when to start wearing them
- What is Remembrance Day and why do we take part in it?
- Where can you buy a poppy in the UK? All the spots to know for Remembrance Day
What do white poppies mean?
White poppies serve as a pacifist symbol of remembrance of the war.
Some may instead wear a white poppy over a red one, handed out by the Peace Pledge Union.
The union says the white poppy commemorates people who died in conflict while focusing on peace and challenging how war is viewed.
What colour poppy do you wear on Remembrance Day? Let us know in the comments.
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