The month of August has two birth flowers, the gladiolus and the poppy, both are colourful and make excellent cut flowers. They also share a rich symbolism tied to remembrance.
Gladiolus, a symbol of strength and love, provides height to the garden and a splash of much-needed colour in the final full month of the summer season. I wrote about this birth flower recently, in case you missed the post you can find it here
The poppy, does grow in a variety of colours, but is known best for its red colour and made famous by a poem written more than a century ago, has long been associated with those lost during times of war. The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and also imagination. It is known best for its red colour and made famous by a poem written more than a century ago, by Canadian poet John McCrae.
McCrae served as a military physician during World War I, and penned the famous poem, “In Flanders Field,” it begins with the line: In Flanders Field the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row. It led to the association between the poppy and those lost in battle.
Poppies grow all over the world, including the temperate climates of Eurasia, Africa, and North America. The most recognizable poppy species are the Iceland poppy, the Oriental poppy and the California poppy.
Poppy Meanings and Symbolism
The Poppy in History
Canadian poet John McCrae, who served as a military physician during World War I, penned the famous poem, “In Flanders Field,” in 1915 that begins with the line: “In Flanders Field the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row.” It led to the association between the poppy and those lost in battle.
In European cemeteries where soldiers were buried from World War I, disturbing the soil caused poppies to grow from seeds that had been dormant for years.
L. Frank Baum includes poppies in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, creating a field of flowers that causes Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto to fall asleep on their journey to the Emerald City.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion. It memorializes those who fought and died during the First World War. Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary distributes poppies around Memorial Day, requesting recipients to make a donation to support veterans and active-duty personnel. American Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year.
On Remembrance Day (November 11), citizens all around Britain and other former Commonwealth countries wear paper crimson poppies to honour those lost in battle. The Royal British Legion (RBL) founded in May 1921 is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, both past and present, and their families, and you can read more here
The poppy, does grow in a variety of colours, but is known best for its red colour and made famous by a poem written more than a century ago, has long been associated with those lost during times of war. The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and also imagination. It is known best for its red colour and made famous by a poem written more than a century ago, by Canadian poet John McCrae.
McCrae served as a military physician during World War I, and penned the famous poem, “In Flanders Field,” it begins with the line: In Flanders Field the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row. It led to the association between the poppy and those lost in battle.
Poppies grow all over the world, including the temperate climates of Eurasia, Africa, and North America. The most recognizable poppy species are the Iceland poppy, the Oriental poppy and the California poppy.
Poppy Meanings and Symbolism
- In addition to being a long-time symbol of remembrance, poppies’ opiate qualities making them symbols of sleep, peace, and death but also resurrection.
- In Greco-Roman myths, the flowers were part of offerings to the dead and poppies are found on tombstones to represent eternal sleep.
- According to Greek mythology, the poppy was associated with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. It was believed if poppies grew in your field, a bountiful crop would follow.
- In ancient Greece, poppies were associated with Hypnos, the god of sleep, Thanatos (death), and Morpheus (dreams).
- It is believed that poppy flowers will help you remember your loved ones who have passed.
- The poppy is the state flower of California.
The Poppy in History
Canadian poet John McCrae, who served as a military physician during World War I, penned the famous poem, “In Flanders Field,” in 1915 that begins with the line: “In Flanders Field the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row.” It led to the association between the poppy and those lost in battle.
In European cemeteries where soldiers were buried from World War I, disturbing the soil caused poppies to grow from seeds that had been dormant for years.
L. Frank Baum includes poppies in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, creating a field of flowers that causes Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto to fall asleep on their journey to the Emerald City.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion. It memorializes those who fought and died during the First World War. Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary distributes poppies around Memorial Day, requesting recipients to make a donation to support veterans and active-duty personnel. American Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year.
On Remembrance Day (November 11), citizens all around Britain and other former Commonwealth countries wear paper crimson poppies to honour those lost in battle. The Royal British Legion (RBL) founded in May 1921 is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, both past and present, and their families, and you can read more here
The Poppy and Its symbol of remembrance is recognized in many cultures around the world.
xxx oooo xxx
You may also like to read this post about 'Some Foods In Season During August' which also has some recipe suggestions - please see here
You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.
All the best Jan
2 comments:
I just love poppies and the use of them for Remembrance Day.
Those are pretty flowers. Happy August. It's nearly gone already. Whoosh.
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