- The meaning behind differently-coloured poppies worn on Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a poignant time for people across the globe to remember those who lost their lives while serving as a members of the armed forces.
Occurring annually on November 11, it serves as a touching reminder of the sacrifices made by millions to fight for their countries.
An internationally-renowned symbol of remembrance, many people wear a poppy to show their respects to the fallen.
But why are there poppies in different colours and what do poppies in red, white, purple and black all mean?
Read on below to find out the meaning behind the different types of coloured poppies and what the colours mean.
What do the different colours of poppies mean?
Red poppy
A widely-recognised symbol across the world, the red poppy is said to represent remembrance and hope
Organised by the Royal British Legion, proceeds from the Poppy Appeal help to support former service men and women.
The most recognisable and widely-worn poppy colour is red, which is the most common colour of the flower.
Popularised by the work of the Royal British Legion, the red poppy was inspired by the fields of poppies that grew where many of the battles throughout the First World War were fought.
The red poppy is said to represent remembrance and hope.
White poppy
Peace Pledge Union charity believes that that the white poppy serves as a commemorative symbol to the fallen, while focusing on achieving peace and changing perceptions of war
To some individuals, the presence of red on a poppy may be seen as an unnecessary glorification of war and conflict.
Those who wish to remember victims in a different way can wear a white poppy, which is offered by the charity Peace Pledge Union.
The charity believes that that the white poppy serves as a commemorative symbol to the fallen, while focusing on achieving peace and changing perceptions of war.
Black poppy
BlackPoppyRose says it ‘fully supports the legacy of the red poppy’ but ‘felt it was important to highlight the contributions of the African, Black, West Indian, Caribbean, Pacific Islands and Indigenous communities to world history globally’
The BlackPoppyRose commemorates the contributions of black, African and Caribbean communities to the war effort, with a slightly different logo to that of the red poppy.
BlackPoppyRose says it ‘fully supports the legacy of the red poppy’ but ‘felt it was important to highlight the contributions of the African, Black, West Indian, Caribbean, Pacific Islands and Indigenous communities to world history globally.’
Purple poppy
Pictured: a horse wearing the purple poppy to remember animals that have been victims of war
This type of poppy is often worn as a mark of remembrance to animals that have died from being present during wars.
Animals including horses, dogs and pigeons have been used to help war efforts across various different conflicts, with many horses killed or injured in the First World War.
People who choose to wear the purple poppy may feel that the efforts of animals in service should be remembered in equal measure to those of humans.
Donations from the purchase of purple poppies go to charities including World Horse Welfare and the Household Cavalry Foundation, per the BBC.
The Animal Purple Poppy Fund is permitted to use the word poppy thanks to an agreement it has with the Royal British Legion.
