The significance of the poppy around Remembrance Day.
For as long as I can remember, there has been a specific time of year when deep red flowers appeared, pinned on the shirts of friends and family. Whether we were in school or at home, this time would bring moments of silence, allowing us to remember those who fought for our country.
The poppy, this flower that we have come to the habit of wearing on our shirts or making into wreaths, has become a symbol of this honour and the importance of remembrance for Canadian soldiers. But why a poppy, and where did this tradition begin?
Remembrance Day is meant to honour and show solidarity with any man or woman who served in the military throughout Canada’s history. The flower itself is a native plant of Belgium and was found along the Western Front of the First World War, which began in France and made its way through Belgium, in which Canada lost tens of thousands of soldiers.
This blood-red flower has been associated with fighting armies for years, especially post-First World War, as poppies thrived and grew in these war-torn environments over mass graves.
Poppies brought life and colour to these desolate landscapes, despite the destruction and death surrounding them.
The poppy was first used as a symbol for Remembrance Day in the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian Poet John McCrae. The flower has been the official emblem of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1921.
Because the poem was initially published in 1915, it directly refers to the First World War. However, the flower and poem remain relevant to reflect on conflicts since then.
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row,” reads McCrae’s poem.
Recently, purple, white, and black poppies have become available to honour diverse groups who fought during the war.
Purple is meant to honour animals that have been victims of war, black commemorates Black, African, and Caribbean communities who aided to war efforts, and white is meant to show honour while highlighting a desire for peace.
The red poppy continues to be the most popular and is used as a blanket of honour and remembrance for anyone who served our country.
Nov. 11 is an emotional day for many whose friends or families have died for our country. Wearing a poppy is a simple gesture during this reflective time to show sympathy and loyalty, recognizing individual sacrifices in our country’s history.
Even if we don’t personally know someone affected, we wouldn’t be living in the Canada that we know today if it hadn’t been for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
If you want to wear a poppy this Remembrance Day season, you can buy them at different stores or from individual vendors around the city. Donations are the main form of payment directly going to the Legion Poppy Fund, which supports and provides assistance to veterans or families affected.
As this day approaches, wear a poppy on the left side of your shirt, the same side as your heart, to show your remembrance.
