As we approach Poppy Day and all the kerfuffle that inevitably accompanies it, just what are the rules about the wearing of Poppies?
To avoid any confusion, here’s your easy, timely, at-a-glance, cut-out-and-keep guide.
Q When should you start wearing your Poppy?
A You’d think a reasonable answer would be ‘when they go on sale’. This used to be around the end of October. But, like Christmas, Poppy Day seems to come round earlier and earlier. Giant poppies were attached to all the local lamp-posts on October 11th around our way, and will probably stay up well beyond Remembrance Day. But despite Poppy Day now becoming more like Poppy Month, there are no hard and fast rules. Just go with your instinct.
Q You HAVE to wear one though, don’t you?
A No. It’s entirely up to you. You can respect Britain’s war dead without signalling it to everyone. And you can plonk money in the tin without choosing to faff about with the pin and Poppy part. Again, there are no rules.
Q What about if you’re on the BBC?
A Ah, it’s slightly different here. BBC employees and presenters are not required to wear poppies on air. The decision is entirely a matter of personal choice. BUT, those who don’t traditionally face an almighty backlash from the Poppy Police.
Q Wait, there’s a Poppy Police?
A It’s the collective name for BBC-hating media outlets like the Sun, Mail and Telegraph, as well as individuals such as Tice, Farage, and any Reform councillor eager for clicks.
Q Also, why the capital P for Poppy?
A You’re right. It doesn’t need one.
Q Should you wear your poppy on the left or the right?
A Either side is acceptable. Anywhere, really. I have mine on my backpack. That’s because I wear my backpack every day, whereas I might switch from a jacket one day to a raincoat the next, and forget to transfer the poppy. Of course, there’s no rule to say you can’t buy more than one poppy. And there definitely isn’t one about where you should wear it.
Q The leaf on the poppy should point to 11 o’clock, right?
A No. It can point up, down, left or right. It doesn’t matter because there’s no rule.
Q Does an extra-large poppy signify a personal connection with Britain’s armed forces?
A No. It means you’re wearing the one that was supposed to go on your car, or that you’ve nicked it from a lamp-post.
Q Will wearing an expensive poppy made from shiny enamel show you care more deeply about our glorious dead?
A Possibly. However, another interpretation is that you bought an enamel one many years ago and dig it out every October without feeling the need ever to donate another penny.
Q Can I wear a poppy shirt, poppy scarf and poppy hoodie; sport a stripy poppy rucksack and swing a giant poppy umbrella? Can I do that?
A Certainly. You won’t look at all deranged.
