The poppy as a symbol of remembrance was started by the American humanitarian Moina Michael, who was inspired by Lt Colonel John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields, describing the small red flowered plants growing on the graves of soldiers buried in northern France and Belgium during World War I. She began wearing a poppy and others soon followed.
While most people in the UK are likely to wear a red poppy for Remembrance Day, there are other poppies too, each associated with a charity. You can wear more than one if you want to.
Red Poppy
A lasting memorial to those who died in World War I and later conflicts. It was adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1921.
After the first poppy appeal in 1921, demand could not be fulfilled in Scotland, so a poppy-making factory was opened in Edinburgh. The Scottish poppy is also red, but whereas the RBL poppy has two petals and a green leaf, the Scottish version has four lobed petals and no leaf. It was adopted by PoppyScotland.
White Poppy
Remembers those who have died in conflict, while emphasising the lasting commitment to peace. Adopted by the Peace Pledge Union.
Purple Poppy
Worn by those wanting to remember animal victims of war. Adopted by the Animal Aid Charity.
Black Poppy
Remembering the African, Black and Caribbean communities who contributed in any way to the War effort. Adopted by Black Poppy Rose.
Source: various.
