Poppy is one of the most well-known cultivated plants and is easy to recognize. Poppies have a special significance in our cultural and art history. Its fleeting beauty means it is full of symbolism. Here you can find out where the poppy comes from and what it means.
What significance does poppy have in culture and symbolism?
Poppy symbolizes sleep, dreams, death, forgetting and pain relief in culture and art. In Christian symbolism, poppies represent the cross and the passion of Christ. As a “Red Poppy” pin, it is a memorial symbol for fallen soldiers in England.
Where does poppy originally come from?
As one of the oldest cultivated plants, the exact origin of the poppy cannot be precisely traced. It is believed to have been first cultivated inMiddle East. Records of the production of opium with opium poppies can be found as early as the fourth century BC. In the early Middle Ages, the medicinal plant was highly valued by Hildegard von Bingen, among others. Today it is grown in the Arab world and in southeastern European countries. There are about 120 different species.
Where does the name poppy come from?
Poppy, scientifically called papaver, was first mentioned by Carl Linnaeus in 1752. The name comes from the Latin “pappare”, which means “to eat”. The ancient Romans are said to have given their children some poppy seed juice in their porridge so that they could sleep better. The German word “poppy”, on the other hand, comes from “mago” (Old High German) and “mekon” (Greek). It is often colloquially called the corn rose, poppy poppy, wild poppy or pater flower.
What does poppy mean?
Poppy is an important symbol in our culture and art forsleep and dreams, but also death, forgetting and pain relief. The plant with its striking flowers containing opium-containing sap inspired numerous painters, poets and musicians. In Christianity, poppies symbolize the cross and passion of Christ through their blood-red color and a recognizable cross in the poppy blossom. According to an old superstition, you should not bring poppies into your house. It is said that its red and quickly fading flowers bring a lot of heartache.
What does poppy pin mean in England?
On Remembrance Day, the eleventh of November each year, all fallen soldiers in England are remembered. Wearing a pin in the shape of a red poppy flower, the so-called “Red Poppy”, symbolizes recognition and solidarity with the victims of the two world wars. This symbol was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. In it he describes how poppies bloom on the freshly dug up hills of the soldiers' graves.
What are poppy seeds used for today?
Poppy seeds are used today primarilyin bakeries Poppy seeds are sprinkled on pastries or the ground seeds are added to desserts and cream fillings. In India, for example, white poppy seeds are also ground like flour and used as a binding agent in curries and sauces.
Tip
Attention! Opium poppies may only be grown in Germany after official approval
In Germany, the cultivation of opium poppies falls under the Narcotics Act (BtMG) and requires a permit. If you don't have this, you can incur high fines.
