It is almost a week since Remembrance Day so I was taken aback to be asked “Why do poppies represent the end of the war when they flower in summer and the end of the war was technically winter?” Why, indeed? Poppies are not indigenous to South Africa, although a number of gardeners sow the traditional red poppy seeds in the hope that they will bloom at this time of the year. In my own garden self-sown Opium Poppies (Papaver somniferm) begin to bloom a few days before the annual Remembrance Day parade.
We must all be familiar with that moving poem In Flanders Field by John McCrae that begins with the words:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place …
Seasons notwithstanding, the crimson poppy has become associated with the armistice – largely due, it is widely acknowledged, to the popularity of McCrae’s poem. As Corn Poppies (Papaver rhoeas) are pioneer plants, they were among the first plants to colonise the churned up battle fields – surely providing a wondrous sight in contrast to the destruction wrought on the landscape by war. The sale of artificial poppies have benefited war orphans, ex-service men and women and their families over the years.
Artificial poppies are more robust than real ones, which easily wilt and fall to pieces when cut.
The artificial ones for wreaths can be fairly elaborate.
While the ones generally worn on one’s left or right shoulder come in a standard form and are made from a combination of paper and plastic – this one has been pinned to a piper’s kilt for practical reasons.
These poppies have come to symbolise hope and gratitude.
Interesting information can be found at:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/why-we-wear-poppies-on-remembrance-day
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15492228
We stop in to see some beautiful flowers in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice:
Just around the corner from my home are these Erythrina lysistemon:
Some food is required, so visit a fish market along the coast:
As tea is welcome at any time of the day, I regard this as one of the most perfect Advent calendars I have ever seen:
Finally, a stained glass window to remind us of one of the many layers of this festive season:
Wishing all of my readers happiness, cheerful company, good food and a pleasant festive season.
Something Over Tea 