Hello Everyone,
There are several days on the annual global calendar that 'celebrate' the lives lost in the almost countless battles and wars and conflict that the world has suffered. Armistice Day has just passed but scattered throughout the year there are the others like Armed Forces Day, Veterens Day and Memorial Day. And then there are those of the individual countries which have their own names ... usually along the lines of 'Fallen Heroes Day' or 'Freedom Day' or even at a stretch Thanksgiving Day.
The red poppy seems to have become a symbol of this/these and yes, many have acknowledged this, but I was surprised the other day to go to one of the meetings of a Military History Society to see how much more is being done with the 'red poppy' symbol - and how it is being embraced by all sorts of parties for many different reasons.
I saw a dinner service with the red poppy emblazoned on one side (plates and mugs too etc); Calendars for 2013 with an only red poppy theme made up of photographs and line drawings etc; 3-D porcelain poppies to hang on the walls for home decor, hug red poppy-designs on curtaining materials and then dress materials too Of course so much more too like candles etc etc and so on , but the point has been made.
In discussion at the club meeting, besides the prettiness of the flower, the background war symbolism is being rendered in other ways that make remembering the loss of loved ones an easier one to use and more of an everyday phenomenon these days. Or that what is seems is happening.
What do you think? I would be interested if you have any specific opinion. Do you think it is a good idea to use this 'symbol' of loss pain and suffering for everyday items or do you think the two are not connected? Would you put up a mural of poppies, use materials, eat off poppy plates etc?
Just really interested in your thoughts and say thanks,
Cheers
Thanks