DURING the Memorial period, poppies are proudly worn in honor of our veterans.
But what is the correct way to wear poppies? Here's everything you need to know about the poppy protocol.
On which side should I wear my poppy?
Traditionally, the Poppy is worn during the Memorial period, from the last Friday in October to the end of the day on November 11. The poppy has become a strong visual symbol of commemoration around Armistice Day and Memorial Sunday and there are various theories about the "correct" way to wear it. Many people say the poppy should be worn on the left collar, to keep it close to your heart – it also marks the symbol's military origins, as it is a side medal worn by the Armed Forces.
Another school of thought is that poppies should be worn on the left by men and on the right by women, as is traditional for badges or brooches. However, the truth is, unless you're serving, there's no 'correct' way to take opium - it just depends on individual choice.
The position of the petals has also been debated.
One theory holds that it must be at 11 o'clock, representing the 11 o'clock hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the official end of the First World War in 1918. However, the British Royal Legion insists there is no right or wrong way. Instead, they simply say: "The best way to wear it is to be proud."
When did the poppy tradition start?
In 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae lost his friend Lieutenant Alexis Helmer at Ypres, one of the most famous and bloody battles of the First World War. As he mourned his fallen comrade, he saw countless poppies growing in the battle-torn fields, a sight that inspired him to write In Flanders Fields – one of the war's most famous 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 the Memorial. Anna Guérin also simultaneously promoted the idea of the poppy as a symbol of the Memorial - she came to England with her two daughters but when the First World War broke out she moved to the United States where she immediately began raising funds for those made impoverished by the war.
And in the late 1920s he was in charge of Poppy Days in several US states and turned his attention further.
In September 1921 he arrived in Liverpool and departed convinced that he could persuade the fledgling English Legion to accept his idea. The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921, and ordered a silk version of nine million flowers, which went on sale on 11 November that year – the first Poppy Appeal raised £106,000 and also marked the third anniversary of Armistice Day Why are there different poppies in England and Scotland?
The differences in poppy styles in England and Scotland proved to be a source of controversy when Sainsbury's was found to be selling an English version north of the border in 2016.
In the UK, poppies have only two petals and one green leaf, while those distributed by charity PoppyScotland have four petals and no leaves. Explaining why there are no leaves on Scottish poppies, PoppyScotland said: “Aside from a botanical error, it costs £15,000 to make leaves for all the poppies – money we feel is better spent on veterans.
"We may be a little biased, but we think Scottish poppies look better too."
PoppyScotland joined the Royal British Legion in 2011, but the money raised is spent supporting Scottish veterans.
How much should my poppy donation be?
Poppy Appeals The Royal British Legion raises money to help support serving and former members of the armed forces and their families.
Every little help, and all contributions are welcome – so give only as much as you want, or can afford.