Remembrance Day is a commemorative day held each year on November 11 to acknowledge the end of the First World War. It is observed each year by the Commonwealth countries. Around the world artificial poppies are worn to commemorate their servicemen and women killed in World War I. But do you know how you should wear a poppy?

In the weeks before November 11, red poppies begin to appear on coats everywhere as people observe the servicemen and women who fought in the war.

The red poppy is the most popular flower to wear during Remembrance Day because it grows wild in many fields in northern France and Belgium.

These areas were where some of the heaviest and deadliest battles during the First World War took place and therefore are the locations of many soldiers’ deaths.

Poppies are tough flowers and can grow anywhere, but they are also delicate – which some believe makes them a fitting tribute to those who have departed.

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The Royal British Legion is one of the chief charities associated with Remembrance Sunday. 

The charity says the red poppy is an emblem of remembrance and hope and stresses it is not “blood” red or a sign of support for war and death. 

The charity adds that the poppy should also not be seen as a symbol of religion or politics, but instead is a way to show support for the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

But how should you wear a poppy?

According to the British Legion, there is no “correct” way to wear a poppy.

But it is actually a personal choice.

The charity’s website said: “The best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride.”

However, some believe certain conventions about how to wear a poppy exist to more aptly pay homage to troops.

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Some believe poppy etiquette indicates that you should wear your poppy from October 31, while others state you should wear it for 11 days leading up to Remembrance Day.

Some say that you should not wear it until after Bonfire Night.

This year, the British Legion launched its Poppy Appeal on Thursday, October 23, meaning many people have been wearing poppies since that time.

But once you have your poppy, what side should you wear it on?

Many people believe poppy etiquette means that you should wear it on the left as a means to symbolise how you are keeping those who died close to your heart.

Military medals are also pinned to the left.

However, others state that men should wear it on the left, while women should wear them on the right like a badge or brooch.

The Queen however, does not follow this rule and wears her poppy on the left.

In terms of placement, many believe the leaf should point to 11 o’clock as a means to indicate the end of the First World War at 11am on November 11.

However, this has never been underlined as a rule by any organisation or body associated with the Poppy Appeal.

The leaf was in fact not introduced until the 1960s when it became a practice to make poppy sprays, as an alternative to a poppy wreath, which were made up of five silk poppies attached to seven pieces of green fern. 

Leaves slowly became an optional extra and by 1984 demand for them had grown to 12 million a year, although they were still issued separately to the poppy.

In 1995 poppies with leaves included were made available for the first time.

Last year, more than £50 million was raised through the Poppy Appeal to help support serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces community and their families.

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