Remembrance Day is this Weekend and many people choose to wear a poppy to show respect for the brave people (and animals) who died in the first world War and the conflict that followed it. There are now a variety of different coloured poppies, but what is their significance. 

There is no ‘correct’ way to wear a poppy – it is a personal choice reflecting individual and personal memories. It is a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they wear it . From paper poppies to pins, bag charms to pet poppies, the best way to wear it is simply with pride  

The Red Poppy 

This is the most famous symbol used to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in World War one and the conflicts that followed – this was inspired by the many fields of poppies that grew where many of the battles were fought. 

The red poppy belongs to the British Legion – the charity created by the veterans of World War One. 

The red poppy represents remembrance and hope. 

The Purple poppy 

The Purple poppy created in 2006 is often worn to represent the animals that have also been the victims of war. 

Animals like horses, dogs and pigeons were drafted I to the war effort, many horses were killed or injured, especially in World War One. Animals cannot volunteer and have no choice in becoming involved in the war when they serve alongside  human and military personnel – for those that wear the purple poppy feel their service should be valued just as highly. 

Donations to the Animal Purple Poppy fund go to charities including the Household Cavalry Foundation as well as the World Hores Welfare. 

The Animal Purple Poppy fund uses the word poppy with the agreement of the Royal British Legion 

The White Poppy 

Some people think that the red poppy glorifies war and conflict and instead choose to wear a white poppy – some people choose to wear both the white and the red poppy . 

The white poppy is handed out by a charity called Peace Pledge Union which promotes peace. They say that the white poppy commemorates people who died in conflict, but focuses on achieving peace and challenging the way we look at war  

The Black Poppy 

The black poppy rose commemorates the contribution of black, African and Caribbean communities to the war effort – as servicemen and servicewomen, and as civilians 

The charitable organisation was launched in 2010 and aims to highlight ‘largely untold historical legacies’ from the 16th century onwards. 

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