The significance of the ANZAC Wreath

ANZAC Day is a day for remembrance and celebration of our soldiers, both past and present. The day normally starts with the Dawn Service at your local RSL club, followed with a day of drinking beer and playing Two-Up. Does this sound about right? Whoops, I left out the Lamingtons and Pavlova! Now we're getting somewhere I'd say. 

Although, one of the traditions on ANZAC day that is sometimes over-looked, or forgotten, is the laying of the ANZAC Wreath, and the importance of it. Every part of the wreath is symbolic, from the laurel leaves it's bound in, to the number of poppies used. Here's a bit more info about the wreath and what's used.

The ANZAC Wreath

Laurel - is a commemorative symbol;  it was used by the ancient Romans to crown victors and the brave as a mark of honour.

Rosemary -since ancient times rosemary is believed to have properties to improve memory, and maybe because of this, it has become an emblem for fidelity and remembrance, in both literature and folklore. Rosemary is also especially significant to Australians as it grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

3 Red Poppies - The Red Poppy, also known as the Flanders Poppy, was one of the first plants to sprout on the Battlefields in Northern France and Belgium. Even using 3 poppies is significant of the 3 armed forces that took part in the wars. In folklore, it also signifies the blood that was shed on the battlefields.

The Purple "Lest We Forget" Ribbon - The colour purple has long been a colour associated with remembrance and royalty and is used with the saying "Lest we Forget".

The Shape -The shape of the wreath is not the same of that of a normal wreath. One of  the reasons why is the representation of the tears that were shed for the soldiers that were lost.

It's so often easier to go with the norm, but this year, remember the ANZACs and get a traditional wreath, and wear some rosemary!