Remembrance Day UK: The Meaning of the Poppy and Whimsical Charm's Tribute to Remember and Give Back.
Discover the true meaning of Remembrance Day in the UK — from its 1918 origins to the symbolism of the red poppy inspired by In Flanders Fields. Join Whimsical Charm in honouring heroes past and present: from 1st–11th November, 20% of all sales will be donated to The Royal British Legion in support of veterans and their families.
Remember, Honour & Reflect
Hello, lovely Whimsical Charm community (it’s Lorna here). As we approach the Remembrance season, I wanted to share a heartfelt post on the meaning behind Remembrance Day and how we at Whimsical Charm will honour it with you.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, observed on 11 November each year in the UK and Commonwealth nations, marks the moment when the fighting of the First World War drew to a close. On 11 November 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice came into effect.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the day was first commemorated with silence, ceremonies and oil lamp vigils. Over time, and particularly after the Second World War, the commemoration broadened to honour all those who have served and sacrificed their lives in military service and conflict—not just those of the First World War.
In the UK context, besides the 11 November date, there is also Remembrance Sunday—the nearest Sunday to 11 November—when many attend memorial services and observe the two-minute silence at 11 am. This year, Remembrance Sunday is on the 9th of November.
The purpose of Remembrance Day is to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have given their lives, to support those who served and continue to serve, and to remind ourselves of the cost of freedom.
Poppies
One of the most recognisable symbols of Remembrance Day is the red poppy, but why?
During the First World War, in the bleak and bombarded landscapes of the Western Front (for example, in the Flanders region), bright red poppies were among the few flowers to bloom amid the devastation.
The poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician‐soldier John McCrae, written in 1915, famously opens:
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…”
The poem’s image of red poppies among the rows of graves helped establish the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope – a bright bloom of life, memory and tribute in what was once a scene of loss.
Today, wearing a red poppy (or placing poppy wreaths) is a visible and poignant act of remembrance and support.
So when you see a poppy, it’s not just decoration — it is a symbol of honour, of remembering, of passing on memory.
Poppies come in a variety of colours, each with a distinct meaning or symbolism attached to it.
Purple poppies honour the lives of animals lost during wars, particularly horses. Black poppies recognise the contributions of African, Caribbean and Indigenous soldiers. White poppies are an emblem of pacifism and a desire for peace, honouring all victims of war.
Yellow poppies represent prosperity and success. Orange poppies represent the joy of living in the present moment, symbolising energy, enthusiasm and excitement. Blue poppies, Meconopsis baileyi (yes, they are real, but rare, found in Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, northern India, and southwestern China), represent imagination and creativity. Green and pink poppies symbolise growth and new beginnings, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. A few days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch is yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Whimsical Charm's Special Remembrance Offer
From 1st to 11th November, we will donate 20% of all sales proceeds to the Royal British Legion (RBL)—supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families. This means every order you place during that period is doing double duty: you’re receiving your quirky, whimsical gifts, and at the same time contributing to a worthy cause of remembrance and support.
However, you decide to show your support, whether it's quietly at home, with family or within your communities, it's remembering together that makes it special.
Thank you for reading, for supporting Whimsical Charm and for joining us in Remembrance.
"We will remember them".
Lorna x