White Poppy

The white poppy symbolises remembrance for all victims of war and a commitment to peace, rooted in the witness of Quakers and other pacifist traditions since 1933.

The origins of the white poppy

The white poppy was first introduced in 1933 by the Women’s Co-operative Guild in Britain, who were concerned by the growing militarisation of remembrance. They sought an alternative to the red poppy, which by then was increasingly associated with glorifying war rather than mourning its loss. The white poppy was intended as a symbol of grief for all war victims—soldiers and civilians alike—and a commitment to peace.

Within a year, the newly formed Peace Pledge Union (PPU) took up the distribution of white poppies, making them a lasting symbol of pacifist values. The move sparked fierce debate in the press and in public life, with critics accusing white poppy wearers of dishonouring the dead. Yet many saw them as a powerful protest against the ever-present drumbeat of rearmament in the 1930s.

Quaker support and pacifist witness

Quakers were among the earliest and most consistent supporters of the white poppy. Rooted in the Peace Testimony, which dates back to 1660, Friends have long stood against all forms of war and violence. The white poppy aligned with their belief in seeking that of God in everyone, and resisting war with spiritual and practical witness.

Through meetings, public statements, and support for the PPU, Quakers helped the white poppy gain broader recognition. In many Quaker meetings, white poppies are worn during Remembrance events and displayed alongside readings or moments of silence. They serve as a reminder that true remembrance must inspire action for peace, not passive acceptance of future wars.

Meaning and message today

Today, white poppies are worn around Remembrance Day (11 November) as a statement of nonviolence, inclusive remembrance, and a challenge to militarism. They are not intended to replace or insult the red poppy, but rather to broaden the scope of memory. They acknowledge civilian deaths, victims of enemy action, conscientious objectors, and all who suffer from the impact of war.

The white poppy remains controversial in some circles, yet it continues to speak powerfully to younger generations and to those disillusioned by state-led ceremonies. Its triple meaning—remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace, and a rejection of militarism—resonates across faiths and backgrounds.

Continuing the tradition

The PPU remains the main distributor of white poppies in Britain. Each year, thousands are sold and worn at schools, community centres, and memorials. Quakers often host or support white poppy vigils, combining them with readings from Scripture, testimonies from victims of war, and moments of silence for reflection and resolve.

In some cases, white and red poppies are worn together, signalling both sorrow for the fallen and hope for a different future. Yet for many Friends, the white poppy alone best represents their witness. As the world faces new wars, drone strikes, and nuclear threats, the white poppy remains a small but potent emblem of conscience—and a call to imagine a world without war.

As early white poppy supporter Sybil Morrison once said, “It takes more courage to fight for peace than to fight in war.”

Image(s) from PPU