Remembrance Day is a commemorative day observed each each to acknowledge the end of the First World War and show respect for the Armed Forces, past and present. Traditionally people wear poppies as a mark of their support for troops and fallen soldiers. But given there are several different colour poppies available – what do each of them mean?

Red Poppy

The red poppy is the most famous icon used to commemorate those servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in World War One and the conflicts that followed.

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.

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.

The red poppy is connected to the Royal British Legion, which is a charity created by veterans of the First World War, and the flower is said to represent remembrance and hope.

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Purple Poppy

The purple poppy is sold to raise money for animal charities such as Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare.

The Purple Poppy Appeal, organised by War Horse Memorial, commemorates all the animals that suffered and even lost their lives during wartime.

Animals, such as horses, dogs and even pigeons, were drafted into the war effort.

Those that wear the purple poppy feel their service should be seen as equal to that of human service.

During the First World War, many horses in particular were killed or injured.

Black Poppy

The black poppy is most commonly associated with the remembrance of black, African and Caribbean war efforts.

The Black Poppy Rose appear was launched in 2010 and aims to make the black poppy a nationwide symbol of remembrance.

The website aims are: “To make the BlackPoppyRose a symbol of Remembrance world-wide.

“To educate and empower through understanding historical timelines.

“To empower self identity within African/Black/West India/Pacific Islanders.”

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White Poppy

The white poppy is a symbol of pacifism and is a way to remember those who died in conflict whilst focusing on an end to war.

This poppy was designed by the Co-operative Women’s Guild in 1933 and was adopted the following year by the Peace Pledge Union as a symbol of pacifism and anti-war sentiment.

The Peace Pledge Union website reads: “There are three elements to the meaning of white poppies: they represent remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace and a challenge to attempts to glamorise or celebrate war.”

LGBT poppy

The so-called LGBT poppy has faced backlash after it has been claimed it “disrespects” fallen soldiers.

In 2016, LGBT poet Laureate Trudy Howson introduced the concept of a rainbow poppy.

Posting a design of the flower, she wrote: “The rainbow poppy is a campaign I’m running to bring attention to the brave soldiers who died for our country during WWI at a time when their sexuality was still criminalised.”

The design has been seen as controversial by many.

A number of critics took issue with the colourful poppy, urging the LGBT+community to “get some respect”.

One Twitter user wrote: “I’m not in anyway homophobic, but this is getting beyond!

“The RED poppy is in memory of ALL soldiers during the war. The poem Flanders fields states why.

“Pride has a whole month to raise awareness. Soldiers who died and fought for us have one MINUTE a year. Get some respect!”

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