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What do the different coloured poppies mean?

Four different colour poppies on a grey background.Image source, Getty Images
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What do the different poppy colours mean?

Many people choose to wear a poppy in November for Remembrance Day to show respect for the people who died fighting in the First World War and the conflicts that followed it.

But there are other coloured poppies too - purple, black and white - that have different meanings.

What does the red poppy mean?

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Red poppy: Memorial to World War One and following conflicts

The red poppy is the most famous symbol used to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in World War One and conflicts that followed.

Wearing a poppy was inspired by the fields of poppies that grew where many of the battles were fought.

The red poppy belongs to the Royal British Legion - a charity created by veterans of World War One.

They say that the red poppy represents remembrance and hope.

What does the purple poppy mean?

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Purple poppy: To remember animal victims of war

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.

In particular, many horses were killed or injured in World War One.

Donations to the Animal Purple Poppy Fund go to charities including World Horse Welfare and the Household Cavalry Foundation.

The Animal Purple Poppy Fund uses the word poppy with the agreement of the Royal British Legion.

What does the black poppy mean?

Image source, BlackPoppyRose

The BlackPoppyRose commemorates the contributions of black, African and Caribbean communities to the war effort - as servicemen and servicewomen, and as civilians.

The charitable organisation was launched in 2010 and aims to highlight "largely untold historical legacies" from the 16th century onwards.

What does the white poppy mean?

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White poppy: Remembers people who died in conflict with a focus on an end to war

Some people feel that the red poppy glorifies war and conflict.

Instead they might choose to wear a white poppy.

The white poppy is handed out by a charity called Peace Pledge Union, which promotes peace.

They say that the white poppy commemorates people who died in conflict, but focuses on achieving peace and challenging the way we look at war.

What poppy do you wear? Or do you choose not to wear a poppy? Let us know in the comments below.