Poppies hold a unique significance on Remembrance Day, an annual day of commemoration observed in many countries to honour military personnel who have lost their lives in service. This connection between poppies and remembrance has a history deeply rooted in the First World War, evolving into a poignant symbol recognized worldwide.

The symbolism of the poppy as a flower of remembrance traces back to the infamous battlefields of Flanders in Belgium during WWI. Amidst the devastation and loss, vibrant red poppies grew in the churned-up soil of soldiers' graves. This striking visual was noted by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a doctor and poet, who was moved to pen the now-famous poem “In Flanders Fields” in 1915. The poem opens with the lines, "In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row," capturing the contrast of the scarlet poppies blooming among the graves of fallen soldiers. McCrae's work was widely circulated and became a powerful reminder of the bloodshed and sacrifice of war, embedding the poppy as a symbol of both remembrance and hope.

McCrae's imagery struck a chord with many, and the idea of the poppy as a memorial emblem was soon adopted by Moina Michael, an American professor and humanitarian. In 1918, Michael began wearing a poppy to honour those who had died in the war and campaigned to have it adopted as an official symbol of remembrance. Her dedication inspired others, including French humanitarian Anna Guérin, who further promoted the poppy across Europe. By 1921, the Royal British Legion adopted the poppy as its symbol, and it became widely embraced in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as a way to raise funds for veterans and their families, a tradition that continues today.

The poppy’s significance has grown beyond its initial association with WWI, now encompassing the recognition of all military personnel who have perished in service. In Canada and the UK, the red poppy is distributed in early November and worn on the lapel, especially on Remembrance Day, which is observed on November 11th. This date marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended WWI in 1918. Wearing the poppy is a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the price of peace.

The flower's resilience is also symbolic, as poppies are known to thrive in disturbed soils, often the very earth ravaged by war. Their hardiness and ability to flourish amidst devastation are a metaphor for the resilience and hope carried forward by the memory of those who fought. Each year, at 11 a.m. on November 11th, a two-minute silence is observed, creating a moment of collective remembrance in which communities honour the lives of those lost and reflect on the costs of conflict.

While red poppies are a symbol of remembrance, other poppy colours hold different meanings. White poppies, for example, are used as symbols of peace, honouring all victims of war and promoting non-violent solutions to conflict. In 2006, the charity Animal Aid started a campaign of purple poppies to symbolize the animals that have died in military service, especially horses and dogs.

The simplicity of wearing a poppy reminds individuals to pause, reflect, and honour, making it one of the most enduring symbols of remembrance across generations and cultures.

Poppies are well-known for their symbolism in remembrance contexts, but these fascinating flowers hold a lot more mystery and history. Scroll down for more little-known facts about poppies:

ANCIENT MEDICINAL USE  

Poppies, particularly the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Ancient Sumerians cultivated the opium poppy around 3,400 BC and called it the “joy plant.” They discovered its pain-relieving and sedative properties, which were later used extensively in traditional medicine across various cultures, especially in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China.

EDIBLE SEEDS  

While certain parts of the opium poppy contain alkaloids that are used for narcotics, the seeds themselves are harmless and edible. Poppy seeds are widely used in baking and cooking and are rich in magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. Their nutty flavor makes them a popular ingredient in bagels, cakes, and pastries.

DIVERSE SPECIES  

There are over 120 species in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), including the Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale), Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule), and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), each with its own unique colours, climates, and characteristics. The iconic red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) used for Remembrance Day is just one among many types.

VIBRANT RANGE OF COLOURS  

 While the classic red poppy is most recognizable, poppies come in a broad spectrum of colours, from pale pastels to rich oranges, yellows, and even purple. The Iceland poppy, for instance, blooms in soft shades of pink, yellow, and white, adding a delicate touch to alpine and cooler climate gardens.

UNIQUE SEED DORMANCY  

Poppy seeds are unique in that they can remain dormant for years and will only germinate when the soil is disturbed. This is one reason poppies bloomed so prolifically on WWI battlefields: the soil had been churned up by artillery, exposing dormant seeds to light and allowing them to sprout. 

HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO LIGHT  

Poppy blooms are heliotropic, meaning they follow the direction of the sun. Some poppies open up in bright sunlight and close at night or in low light, which is part of why they appear so striking during daylight and tend to wilt after being picked.

CALIFORNIA’S STATE FLOWER  

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), with its bright orange petals, is the official state flower of California. This wildflower grows abundantly along California’s hillsides and can even form “super blooms” in wet years, drawing thousands of visitors.

SYMBOLISM IN GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY  

In Greek and Roman mythology, poppies were associated with Morpheus, the god of dreams, and Hypnos, the god of sleep. The flowers were often linked with eternal sleep and rest, which is partly why they became associated with remembrance and death over time.