The purple poppy remembers animal victims of war and human violence. Animals cannot volunteer and have no choice in becoming involved in war when they serve alongside human military personnel.
Honouring the animals who served in war.
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.
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.
It is thought that the red of the petals represents the blood of those who gave their lives, the black button in the middle is for the mourning of those who never welcomed their loved ones home and the green leaf shows the hope that the grass and crops growing after the war brings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do the royals wear multiple poppies? Curiously, it's never been officially confirmed by the palace, but one theory is that the royal family wears multiple poppy brooches in honour of family members who have fought and died at war.
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 purple poppy remembers animal victims of war and human violence. Animals cannot volunteer and have no choice in becoming involved in war when they serve alongside human military personnel.
Wearing a poppy (on the left breast or lapel) is more common in Australia on and around Remembrance Day, 11 November.
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.
In soldiers' folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. In England in 1919, the British Legion sought an emblem that would honour the dead and help the living. The Red Poppy was adopted as that emblem and since then has been accepted as the Emblem of Remembrance.
Most people are unaware that as well as the traditional red poppy worn to mark the Armistice Day of 11 November 1918, that there is also the purple poppy, remembering animals that died during conflict.
The first red poppies to come to Australia, in 1921, were made in France. In Australia, single poppies are not usually worn on ANZAC Day - the poppy belongs to Remembrance Day, 11 November. However, wreaths of poppies are traditionally placed at memorials and honour boards on ANZAC Day.
Republic of Ireland international and Wigan Athletic footballer James MacLean has also refused to wear a poppy, angering many fans.
It is said that she chose to wear three poppies in honour of her own war dead: Kate's great-great-great-grandfather, Francis Lupton, had five sons, three of whom, Francis, Maurice and Lionel, died in the war.
Challenging war and militarism, as well as any attempt to glorify or celebrate war. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified. They remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today. A commitment to peace and to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict.
Other colours of poppy have their own meanings: - Pink poppies symbolise compassion and platonic love. - Orange poppies stand for health and regeneration. - Yellow poppies represent optimism and the ability to look on the bright side as well as positive memories of people who have died.
Purple Poppy – War Horse Memorial & animal charities
Purple poppies are worn to honour animals who were victims of war. Many war horses, dogs and pigeons were killed during service in WW1.
State Flower
California Golden Poppy. Eschscholzia californica. The California golden poppy is bright orange with blue-green, fern-like leaves and grows in bushy clumps up to 2 feet tall and wide. Their flower petals can reach 2 inches long and 3 inches wide. Golden poppies grow throughout California.
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.
What do white poppies represent? White poppies represent three things: remembrance for all victims of war, both military and civilian. a challenge to any attempts to glamorise or celebrate war. a commitment to peace.
Wearing a poppy is a show of support for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. It represents all those who lost their lives on active service, from the beginning of the First World War right up to present day.