The poppy is a ancient symbol of both the finality of death and of enduring sleep. The latter probably from association with the drug opium and opiates that can be extracted from the variety “papaver” which is inclusive of over 120 variant species.

Another meaning of poppies from Greco-Roman influence is the promise of resurrection after death. For their culture, the bright colors of poppies (especially red) signify life after death. In many cultures, vibrant red means life and white means death. In most western cultures exactly the opposite is true. A white wedding dress for instance, is common but in part of the east and Asia it signifys death and funerary.

Lest We Forget…

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The remembrance flower of the 53 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations is the papaver rhoeas, also called the red flowered Corn Poppy. This is a weed common throughout parts of Europe. Notably, this common wild flowering perennial is found in Belgium in a place called Flanders Field and was made immortal by the writings of the Canadian surgeon and soldier John McCrae in his poem “In Flanders Fields,” May 3rd, 1915.

Lt. Col. John McCrae had witnessed his friend Lieutenant Alexis Helmer die and the poem he wrote about Flanders Fields gives meaningful tribute to his and other soldier’s deaths during the war. In the poem the poet describes the poppies blowing in the windy field of crosses that marked the place where they were buried. This popular tribute is how the poppy became the symbol of sacrifice for those who fell in war campaigns, battle of World War I and later, in all other wars inclusive.

Remembrance poppies, artificial flowers made from paper or plastic, are sold in many countries during the weeks before Remembrance Day which falls on November 11th. The Remembrance Day observation is for honoring the living veterans of war.

 In the United States the paper poppies are sold prior to Memorial Day, the last Monday in the month of May. The flower as used here are to commemorate the veterans of various wars including the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts as well as both World Wars.

An interesting fact about the Canadian version of commemorative poppy (plastic flower base with black center affixed to the wearer with a common bent pin, shown above) was that in 1980 the Royal Canadian Legion formed a committee to decide changes of design and/or colors of the commemorative token. The traditional black center of the red flower was voted to be changed to green to denote the green grassy fields of France, where the Allies landed. However, this change to a green center in the poppy proved to be quite unpopular with the membership. The green felt had already been purchased in large quantity and was used in Remembrance poppies until the material was exhausted. The popular black center design was by commission reinstated back in the design by decree in 1986 but it was not until the green felt material was exhausted in the year 2002 did the popular black center returned. At this time again, persons not familiar with the change in the 1980s to return to traditional colors  caused some mild debate but the black centers were reinstated and continue in use today.

I vaguely remember the green centers of the Remembrance Day poppies here in Canada but am quite accustomed to the sight of the black centers of Remembrance Poppies and would protest any change of design should it ever be proposed again.

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Restful sleep and honor for the fallen soldiers. Their sacrifices shall never be forgotten. Like the ideals of the soldiers who fought for their nation and its ideals, the Remembrance Poppy shall endure just as the poppies of Flanders Field.

Read more about the life and times of the Canadian soldier, surgeon, teacher and poet Lieutenant Colonial John McCrae here at the Veterans Affairs Canada web site.