DURING the Remembrance period, poppies are worn with pride to honour our veterans.
But what is the correct way to wear a poppy? Here's everything you need to know about poppy protocol.
Which side should I wear my poppy on?
Traditionally, the Poppy is worn during the Remembrance period, from the last Friday in October to the end of the day on November 11.
The poppy has become a powerful visual symbol of the commemorations around Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday and there are various theories about the "right" way to wear it.
Many people say the poppy should be worn on the left lapel, to keep it close to your heart – it also marks the symbol’s military origins, as this is the side medals are worn by the Armed forces.
Another school of thought is that the poppy should be worn on the left by men and the right by women, as is traditional for a badge or brooch.
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However, the truth is, unless you're currently serving, there is no 'correct' way to wear a poppy – it is simply down to individual choice.
The positioning of the flower’s leaf has also been debated.
One theory dictates that it should be at 11 o’clock, representing the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the formal end of the First World War in 1918.
However, the Royal British Legion insists there is no right or wrong way.
Instead, they simply say: “The best way to wear one is with pride.”
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When did the poppy tradition start?
In 1915, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae lost his friend Lieutenant Alexis Helmer at Ypres, one of the First World War's most famous and bloody battles.
As he grieved his fallen comrade he spotted countless poppies growing in the battle-torn fields, a poignant sight that inspired him to write In Flanders Fields – one of the most famous of all war poems.
Such was the influence of McCrae's work that when the First World War ended in 1918 the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance.
Anna Guérin was also simultaneously promoting the idea of the poppy as the symbol of Remembrance – she came to Britain with her two daughters but when the First World War broke out, she moved to the United States where she immediately began fundraising for those made destitute by war.
And by the end of 1920 she had been responsible for Poppy Days in several US states and was turning her attention further afield.
In September 1921 she arrived in Liverpool and set out for
convinced that she could persuade the fledgling British Legion to accept her idea.
The Royal British Legion formed in 1921, and ordered nine million silk versions of the flowers, which were sold on November 11 that year – the first ever Poppy Appeal raised £106,000 and also marked the third anniversary of Armistice Day
Why are there different poppies in England and Scotland?
The difference in the style of poppy in England and Scotland proved a source of controversy when Sainsbury's was found to be selling English versions north of the border in 2016.
In England, poppies have just two petals and a green leaf, whereas those distributed by the charity PoppyScotland have four petals and no leaf.
Explaining why there is no leaf on the Scottish poppy, PoppyScotland said: “Apart from being botanically incorrect it would cost £15,000 to make leaves for all poppies – money we feel is better spent on veterans.
"We might be slightly biased but we think the Scottish poppy looks nicer too.”
PoppyScotland merged with the Royal British Legion in 2011, but the cash it raises is spent supporting Scottish veterans.
How much should my poppy donation be?
The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal raises money to help support serving and ex serving members of the armed forces and their families.
Every little helps, and all contributions are welcome – so only give as much as you want, or can afford.
But to avoid any confusion or embarrassment, here is the British Legion's guide to the suggested donations for the different types of poppies on offer:
Poppy 2 – £1.00
Altar Poppy – £0.50
Poppy Bracelet – £2.00
Car Poppy – £5.00
Lorry Poppy – £10.00
Magnetic Car poppy – £5.00
Magnetic Lorry Poppy – £10.00
Poppy Reflector – £1.00
Wrist Bands – £2.00
Wooden Crosses – £1.50
You can also donate online at the British Legion website, by phone, by text or by post – you can find all the relevant information here.
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