Indigenous Canadians incorporate flowers into celebrations of life’s spiritual ceremonies, and community feasts. Rather than viewing flowers merely as temporary decorations, Indigenous peoples recognized them as “plant beings” that offer medicine, wisdom, and a direct spiritual connection (sage) to the land. The “Flower Moon” celebrations take place in May, among Anishinaabe and other First Nations cultures. It focuses on the return of vibrant blooms and the healing energy of nature.
Remembrance Day is a day of observance nationwide and is rooted in Canada’s history. It began at the end of the First World War and marks the 11th hour on November 11. The red poppy is a well-known symbol on Remembrance Day, largely through the poem “In Flanders Fields” from Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Though not the oldest cenotaph or war memorial built to honour and remember those who died in that war, the Port Credit War Memorial (Cenotaph) in Vimy Park on Stavebank Road celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2025. During Remembrance Day, at the Port Credit Cenotaph and other cenotaphs in Mississauga and around the world, wreaths of poppies are laid in remembrance of the fallen. The poppy, as the flower of Remembrance, is also worn by people as a sign of reflection, remembrance and respect.