Why don’t Celtic Wear Poppies

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in war. In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (November 11th), people across the UK wear poppies to honor the fallen. One group of people who do not wear poppies are Celtic Football Club fans. Why is this? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for Celtic fans.

The History of the Poppy

Poppies have been associated with remembrance and memorials for centuries. The red poppy in particular has come to be seen as a symbol of Remembrance Day, and is worn by people across the world to commemorate those who have lost their lives in conflict.

The history of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance can be traced back to the Napoleonic Wars, when soldiers would often pick poppies from the fields where they fought. The flowers would then be worn in their buttonholes or on their caps. This practice continued during the First World War, when soldiers would once again pick poppies from the battlefields and wear them as a way of remembering their fallen comrades.

Poppies were also used as a symbol of remembrance in ancient Greece and Rome. In Greek mythology, poppies were associated with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, fertility and harvest. Roman soldiers would often place poppies on the graves of their fallen comrades, as it was believed that the flowers had the power to ward off evil spirits.

The modern tradition of wearing poppies began in 1921, when Field Marshal Douglas Haig established the Poppy Factory in London. The factory produced artificial poppies which were then sold to raise money for the families of servicemen who had been killed in conflict. The sale of poppies quickly became an important part of Remembrance Day celebrations, and today millions of people across the world wear them each year.

The Meaning of the Poppy

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope. For many people, the poppy is a reminder of the sacrifice made by those who have served our country. The red flower also represents the blood shed during battle.

Why Some People Choose Not to Wear a Poppy

There are many reasons why some people choose not to wear a poppy. Some people believe that the poppy is a symbol of British imperialism and the oppression of other countries. Others believe that the poppy is a reminder of the horrors of war and the millions of people who have died in the conflict.

Some people also choose not to wear a poppy because they believe that it glorifies war and violence. They believe that Remembrance Day should be about remembering the victims of war, not the soldiers who fought in it.

Whatever the reason, everyone has a right to choose whether or not they want to wear a poppy.

The Controversy Surrounding the Poppy

As Remembrance Day approaches, the controversy surrounding the poppy once again comes to the fore. For many, the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who have served in the armed forces. However, for others, the poppy has become a political symbol that glorifies war and conflict.

In recent years, Celtic Football Club has come under fire for not wearing poppies on their shirts during Remembrance Day fixtures. This has led to some fans calling for a boycott of the club, while others have defended Celtic’s decision not to wear poppies.

So why don’t Celtic wear poppies? There are a number of reasons. Firstly, as a club with strong Irish roots, Celtic has a large number of supporters from Ireland who remember the country’s history of violence and conflict. Wearing a poppy would be seen as endorsing violence by many of these fans.

Secondly, Celtic is an inclusive club that welcomes fans from all backgrounds and cultures. Wearing a poppy would alienate many of these fans who do not have personal ties to the British military.

Finally, Celtic is a club with a proud history of standing up to discrimination and bigotry. Wearing a poppy would be seen as tacit approval of Britain’s colonial past and present actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual whether or not they choose to wear a poppy. But for Celtic Football Club, the decision not to wear poppies is a statement against violence, colonialism and discrimination.

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in conflict. For many people, the poppy is also a symbol of hope and peace. The Celtic FC Foundation works hard to support Armed Forces charities and veteran groups across Scotland, including the Royal British Legion Scotland. Celtic players have taken part in special Poppy Appeal events and worn poppies on their sleeves during matches played on Remembrance Sunday in previous years. However, as a club, Celtic has decided not to wear poppies on our shirts this year. We respect everyone’s right to express their own views on remembrance and what the poppy means to them personally.