Red Poppy Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of World War I to remember armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Poppies have been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields”. Red poppies are worn on clothing and wreaths of poppies are laid at memorials each year on Remembrance Day. Red Poppy Day is observed on November 11 in most Commonwealth countries.
When is Red Poppy Day?
Red Poppy Day is observed on November 11 each year in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries. November 11 was chosen as the date for the memorial day because hostilities in World War I formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” in 1918 when the Armistice treaty went into effect.
Why is the red poppy a symbol of Remembrance Day?
The red poppy was chosen as a symbol of remembrance because of the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. The poem describes the poppies that grew over the graves of soldiers killed in the war. Poppies were a common sight in the battlefields of Flanders, France where heavy fighting took place. The vivid red color of the poppies came from the soil being enriched with lime from the rubble left by war. This led them to become regarded as a symbol of remembering those who died in battle.
In Flanders Fields
Here is the famous poem by John McCrae that inspired the use of the poppy:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
When did the red poppy become a symbol of Remembrance Day?
In 1921, the first poppies were sold in the UK to raise money for the Royal British Legion. This was inspired by French women selling poppies to raise money for war-orphaned children. The poppies were a huge success in the UK, with demand outweighing supply. The red poppy appeal then spread to Canada, Australia and New Zealand over the next five years. Today, over 30 million poppies are sold annually by the Royal British Legion.
How are red poppies worn for Remembrance Day?
Red poppies are traditionally worn on clothing in the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11. The poppy is worn on the left side, close to the heart. They are distributed by veterans’ associations in Commonwealth countries. Donations are usually given in exchange for the poppies. Wearing poppies demonstrates the wearers’ commitment to remembering those who died in war.
What do the parts of the poppy symbolize?
The parts of the red poppy hold symbolic meaning:
- The black center – represents the scorched earth of war-torn battlefields
- The red petals – represent the blood spilled in war
- The green stem – represents the fields where poppies grow
- The leaf – represents the vibrant life that lies ahead
Do poppies have any other symbolism?
Yes, beyond symbolizing war remembrance, poppies have carried symbolic meaning in various cultures for centuries:
- Sleep, peace and death – Ancient Greeks associated poppies with Morpheus, the god of sleep.
- Resurrection – Egyptians placed poppies on tombs to symbolize eternal sleep.
- Life, death and fertility – European folk tradition used poppies in celebrations.
- Consolation – Roman priests wore poppies during rituals to symbolize solace.
- Fertility and abundance – Chinese decorated weddings with poppies for fertility.
What are some Remembrance Day traditions?
Some common Remembrance Day traditions include:
- Observing a moment of silence at 11am on November 11.
- Wearing red poppies leading up to Remembrance Day.
- Laying wreaths of poppies at war memorials and graves.
- Lighting candles in memory of the fallen.
- Pinning poppies on pets to include them in remembrance.
- Attending memorial ceremonies and parades.
Where are the major Remembrance Day ceremonies held?
Some major Remembrance Day ceremonies are held annually at these locations:
- United Kingdom – The Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall
- Canada – National War Memorial in Ottawa
- Australia – Australian War Memorial in Canberra
- New Zealand – Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington
- France – Arc de Triomphe in Paris
What time is the Two Minutes Silence?
The Two Minutes Silence is observed every year at 11am on November 11. The silence honors those who died fighting for their country. Remembrance Day ceremonies typically begin with ringing bells at the start of the silence and the sounding of The Last Post bugle call at the end.
Why are 2 minutes of silence observed?
The first Two Minutes Silence was held in Cape Town, South Africa in May 1918. The gesture spread through the British Commonwealth after the end of World War 1. The first minute is dedicated to those who died in the war. The second minute is dedicated to those left behind mourning the deceased.
How did Remembrance Day start?
Remembrance Day started in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It commemorated the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. King George V officially proclaimed the day as Remembrance Day to honor fallen Commonwealth soldiers. It was originally called Armistice Day but was renamed after World War 2.
Is Remembrance Day a public holiday?
Remembrance Day is a public holiday in many Commonwealth nations. These include:
- United Kingdom (but not Northern Ireland)
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Hong Kong
- Bermuda
Businesses are closed and many people have the day off work on November 11. In some countries like the UK, a minutes silence is also held on the Sunday closest to November 11.
Why do we wear poppies on Remembrance Day?
Poppies are worn on Remembrance Day because red poppies grew on the battlefields after World War 1 in Europe. A poem titled “In Flanders Fields” described the poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers. Poppies have since come to symbolize the bloodshed of war and remembrance of those who have died in military conflict.
How did poppies come to represent soldiers who died in war?
Poppies came to symbolize soldiers who died in war because of a World War 1 poem titled “In Flanders Fields.” The poem describes poppies growing in a battlefield in Belgium where many soldiers lost their lives. The vivid red color of poppies represented the bloodshed of war. They grew over the graves of fallen soldiers, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice made.
What are some Remembrance Day activities?
Some common activities for Remembrance Day include:
- Attending remembrance ceremonies and parades
- Observing a moment of silence at 11am
- Wearing poppies leading up to Remembrance Day
- Visiting war memorials and laying poppy wreaths
- Lighting candles in memorial
- Watching documentaries about past wars
Schools may also have special assemblies or lessons teaching students about the history and meaning of Remembrance Day.
What happens at Remembrance Day ceremonies?
Typical activities at Remembrance Day ceremonies include:
- Marching of veterans and military bands
- Singing of traditional songs like “God Save the Queen”
- Reading of the Ode of Remembrance poem
- Laying of poppy wreaths at memorials
- Playing of The Last Post bugle call
- National period of silence at 11am
- Speech by dignitaries or politicians
Religious services with prayers for the fallen may also take place. Many ceremonies take place at war memorials, cenotaphs and gravesites.
What are some ways to commemorate Remembrance Day?
Some ways to commemorate Remembrance Day include:
- Wearing a red poppy
- Observing the Two Minutes Silence at 11am
- Attending memorial ceremonies
- Visiting war memorials and graves of fallen soldiers
- Watching television programs about past wars
- Renewing family wartime memories by looking at old photos
- Making donations to veterans organizations
- Lighting a candle of remembrance
What happens on Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November in the United Kingdom and Canada. It serves as a second memorial day along with Remembrance Day on November 11. Activities include:
- Wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials
- Marching veterans and military bands
- Playing of The Last Post bugle call
- National two-minute silence at 11am
- Religious services mourning the war dead
- A veterans parade in London attended by the Royal Family
Why are poppies, wreaths and crosses used for Remembrance Day?
Poppies, wreaths and crosses are used to commemorate Remembrance Day because:
- Poppies symbolize the bloodshed of war after growing on WWI battlefields
- Wreaths represent victory, honor and remembrance
- Crosses evoke grave markers and pay tribute to lives sacrificed
These symbols visually commemorate the fallen and national wartime losses at memorial ceremonies and services.
Conclusion
Remembrance Day has a significant history and deeply important meaning for the countries that observe it. Wearing poppies and taking time to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice provides an opportunity to reflect on the true cost of war. The poems, symbols and ceremonies remind us of the horrific human toll of armed conflict and why we should always work towards peace.
Lest we forget.