When can you start wearing a poppy and where to buy one this year

Now that Remembrance Day is approaching, many are wondering when can you start wearing a poppy and how to get one for 2022.

Remembrance Sunday is almost here and the nation is coming together to remember those who gave their lives in the two world wars and all who have died in combat since. Every year there are events commemorating the occasion, from the 2 minute silence to the National Service of Remembrance. Then there's of course the poppy - a symbol that is displayed by people up and down the country and public figures too - with the late Queen wearing five poppies every Remembrance Sunday.

But each year many ask questions about the tradition, eager to know that they're paying their respects in the correct way. From which side do you wear a poppy and what does a white poppy mean,  there's a lot to get right, so we've rounded up the facts to reveal when is Remembrance Sunday 2022 and what date can you start wear a poppy?

When can you start wearing a poppy?

Poppies are traditionally worn from 31st October, as this is 11 days before Remembrance Day, but there is no set rule for the date you should first wear your poppy.

Many have differing opinions on the day the poppy should first be worn, with some believing you should wait until after Halloween and Bonfire Night (5th November), whereas others think it should only be worn on Remembrance Day. So, it's up to you when you decide to start wearing one, but most people can be seen wearing them from early November.

This year the Poppy Appeal began on Thursday 27 October, and poppies were available to purchase from this date.

When is Remembrance Sunday 2022?

Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday in November, as it's always the Sunday nearest to 11th November (Armistice Day). This year it falls on Sunday 13th November 2022.

On this date, church services, concerts, and televised events usually take place, including the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, in which King Charles and other members of the Royal firm - plus politicians old and new - pay tribute to the Armed Forces community. Members of the public line the streets to watch the Cenotaph Parade, which is made up of veterans and ex-service personnel. 

"This is a physical reminder of all those that have served and sacrificed, with British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airmen and women represented, together with members of the emergency services and civilians, ensuring that no-one is forgotten," states the Royal British Legion website.

They add: "Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life."

When is Remembrance Day 2022?

Remembrance Day 2022 will be on Friday 11 November. Also known as Armistice Day, it takes place on the same date - the 11th - every year. This is because on 11th November 1918, the truce to end the First World War was signed.

On Armistice Day, many people choose to observe the two-minute silence at 11am. The silence is as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country, and is observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1918, it was at this time when the guns of Europe fell silent, making the end of World War I and four years of fighting.

Where can I buy a poppy in 2022?

In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, you'll normally find poppies being sold at supermarkets, train stations, shops, cafes, your local high street and other public places.

It's also common for members of the Armed Forces to be outside these stores with their poppy appeal boxes for customers to get theirs, or you can buy poppies online via the official Poppy Appeal shop.

There are lots of different poppies on offer, from the traditional paper lapel poppies to sustainable and long-lasting pin badges that you can re-wear every year. And of course - your poppy doesn't have to be red. With white poppies, black poppies and purple poppies becoming increasingly more common, there are many ways to commemorate those who fought and are still fighting in conflicts around the world.

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