While not exclusively a Canadian tradition, the wearing of a red poppy on Remembrance Day, which is also known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day is used to mark observations on the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. The major conflicts of World War I were officially ended with the signing of the German armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The red poppies have since come to stand as a symbol of remembrance for veterans of all wars, not just WWI. They are used to remind Canadians of the sacrifice of the 117.000 Canadians who died in the military, Merchant Navy and Ferry Command in two world wars, the Korean War and other global conflicts, and the poppy campaign traditional includes the motto, "Lest We Forget."
Artificial poppies are available with a donation to the Royal Canadian Legion to raise funds for needy Canadian veterans, ex-service members and their dependents, as well as Commonwealth veterans. School children are given poppies to mark the day of remembrance without remuneration.
In Flanders Fields- Symbolism of the Poppy
The poppy’s significance can be traced to Canadian military physician’s John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields. In the poem, McCrae alludes to the rows and rows of blooming red poppies found in the fields where soldiers were laid to rest. The contrast of the red poppy on the white crosses marking the graves in Flanders has since come to symbolize remembrance for the dead. The red colour also alludes to the amount of bloodshed that occurred in the trenches. The poem is so significant to Canadians that it is quoted on the ten dollar bill.
Inspired by the poem, American YMCA Overseas War secretary Moina Michael made twenty five silk poppies and distributed them to fellow soldiers at a conference of military personnel and veterans. Through her continued efforts, she helped persuade the North American Legion Conference to officially adopt the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for the soldiers of World War I in 1921. Inspired by her actions, Frenchwoman Anna Guerin produced the artificial version worn today with the help of the Royal British Legion and veterans groups in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Canada Marks Remembrance Day with the Poppy
Adopted in 1921 in Canada, and produced in 1922, Canadians wear poppies on their left breast, close to the heart to mark their observance of Remembrance Day. Distributed and worn in the two weeks prior to November 11th, the Canadian poppies are made of molded red plastic with a black felt centre, usually attached to outerwear with a pin. The original design of the poppies included a black centre, however from 1980 to 2002 the black centre was replaced with a green centre to symbolize the green hills of Flanders. A sticker version of the poppy is used for small children, health care, and food service workers to prevent injury.
Poppies had been made by disabled veterans in Canada until 1996 when their creation was outsourced to a private contractor. In November, some Canadians can also be seen wearing white poppies which symbolize peace. More than 18 million poppies are distributed annually in Canada.
Poppies in Other Countries
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, however it is primarily worn in Ireland by the Unionist and Protestant community as it honours the British Armed Forces.
Australia and New Zealand also mark their day of remembrance by wearing the poppy, although the design is different to the Canadian version. Poppy Day is celebrated in Malta and South Africa to honour veterans of war.
 |
