The "Animal" Poppy To commemorate all the animal deeds and sacrifices in war, the Australian
Most people think there is only one poppy to be worn for remembrance, but, in reality, there are four Remembrance Poppies which can be worn: Red, White, Purple and Black.
The purple poppy is often worn to remember animals that have been victims of war. Animals like horses, dogs and pigeons were often drafted into the war effort, and those that wear the purple poppy feel their service should be seen as equal to that of human service.
The Purple Poppy is a symbol of remembrance for the countless animals who served alongside Australian soldiers in times of war. From horses and mules to dogs and pigeons, these animals played a vital role in supporting the war effort.
It symbolises all animals who have served and/or died during conflict. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone. As a way to commemorate the animals that have served and those that continue to, you can wear a purple poppy.
Purple poppies are worn to honour animals who were victims of war. Many war horses, dogs and pigeons were killed during service in WW1. The Animal Purple Poppy Appeal is organised by War Horse Memorial, which donates the money raised to various animal charities.
Republic of Ireland international and Wigan Athletic footballer James MacLean has also refused to wear a poppy, angering many fans.
Rough poppy (Papaver hybridum)
The rarest of the poppies, with small red petals that carry a black spot at the base. Its seed capsule is globe-shaped and covered in stiff yellow bristles.
Named after explorer Charles Sturt and South Australia's state emblem, the native wildflower has become an enduring symbol of Australia. "This little flower has got its roots deeply into Australian culture," says florist Hazel Davies.
Some people feel the red poppy has become too political, and that some politicians have used the powerful feelings it creates to justify war. Others refuse to wear poppies because they feel there is too much pressure put on people to wear them.
The purple poppy symbol was subsequently picked up by the Murphy's Army charity in 2016 and continued to be sold by them. There is a specified purple poppy day in addition to Remembrance Day on 11 November where purple poppies would be worn. The date is movable, however.
Flowers can be smaller than a thimble or larger than a dinner plate - plus they come in colors from translucent white through ivory, yellow, golden, orange, and red, even ranging into shades of blue and purple. Botanists divide poppies into almost 800 species grouped into 42 genera.
We often hear people debating the 'correct' way to wear a poppy, but the truth is, unless you're currently serving, there is no 'correct' way. It's a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it. We simply ask that if you do wear a poppy, you wear it with pride.
It represents “remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace and a challenge to attempts to glamorise or celebrate war,” the PPU explained.
The Royal British Legion has no official opinion on the wearing of white poppies, stating that it "is a matter of choice, the Legion doesn't have a problem whether you wear a red one or a white one, both or none at all".
Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) 'Black Beauty'
This almost black, fully double Poppy is absolutely stunning. Grow en masse or as a small clump planting to make a truly dazzling display. Hardy annual.
It is illegal to take, use, sell or grow poppies without a licence from the Victorian Government. Illegal possession of poppy plant parts or substances derived from poppies is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties.
The Red Poppy has special significance for Australians. Worn on Remembrance Day (11 November) each year, the red poppies were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War.
In Australia and other countries of the Commonwealth, we recognise the red poppy as the commemorative flower of remembrance. The flower reminds us of those who lost their lives or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. It's a tradition that began in the early 1900s, after World War I.
Its flowers range in color from white to purple and any shade of red or pink in between. Poppies produce seeds prolifically.
The enchanting Blue Poppy (Meconopsis) creates a spectacular show in the late spring and early summer. Such a rich true blue flower is a rare garden treasure. Blue Poppies have a reputation of being difficult to grow, but these plants can be grown successfully if you follow a few basic guidelines.
Papaver somniferum (Paeoniiflorum Group) 'Pink Paeony' (Opium Poppy) is an upright annual boasting large, fully double flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), densely packed with soft pink, crumpled petals. Blooming for weeks in summer, the ravishing blooms sit on top of stout stems clad with deeply-lobed, silvery leaves.
The poppy was deemed offensive because it was assumed to be connected with First and Second Opium Wars of the 19th century.
The issue is not a theological one, there is no Catholic Church rule to say we should not wear poppies or remember the military dead. For Catholics living here I would suggest it is different for historical reasons and because of all the “political baggage” that we attach to wearing a poppy.
She noted though that the white poppy is not meant to replace the red poppy — nor is it meant to be disrespectful. “It's not meant to be disrespectful at all. Many people wear both the red and white poppies together.