Which side do you wear a poppy and is there a correct way it should point?

In the lead up to Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday, people across the country pay respect to those who have lost their lives in service.

The traditional way this is done involves wearing a poppy, which is often connected to the First World War, but over time has come to show a mark of respect to all British serviceman and servicewomen who have fought in wars.

Remembrance Day is November 11 each year – and marks the exact time that the First World War ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.

Although the Royal British Legion state that poppies can be worn at any time of year as a commemoration of those who lost their lives in war, many people only wear them from the end of October to mid November.

This year, Remembrance Sunday is on November 10. On this day, some people remove their poppy and place it at The Cenotaph war memorial in London, as a sign of respect.

Some choose remove their poppy on this day, and place it at The Cenotaph in London as a sign of respect to veterans.

But if you’re wearing a poppy on your coat, jumper or lapel, which side is best to wear it on?

Is there a certain side you should wear a poppy?

Generally a poppy should be worn on the left side to symbolise those who were lost being close to our hearts.

However over the years, people have become more relaxed over how they wear their poppies, especially as more varieties of poppy-related products have become available to buy.

The Royal British Legion says on its website: ‘It’s a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it.

‘The best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride.’

Is there a correct way the poppy should point?

Some people believe the poppy’s leaf should point towards 11 O’Clock, however the Royal British Legion have confirmed that this is just a personal preference.

The leaf was added to the memorial poppies in the 1960s, as an optional extra.

By 1995, poppies with leaves already included were made available, and look like the classic poppy we see today.

How much should you donate for a poppy?

You are encouraged to donate as much as you want to support the Legion, but the general guidance is to donate at least £1 for the traditional paper lapel poppy.

For a silk poppy, you should donate at least £3 and around £2.50 for a wooden remembrance cross with a poppy.

If you prefer, you can also buy poppies and themed products from Royal British Legion’s Poppy Shop.

The proceeds of items (at a range of price points, including a £2 poppy) goes entirely towards the work of the Royal British Legion, which provides support to current and former service personnel.

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