Poppies in bloom, Moravia, Czech Republic

Poppies in bloom

The soft, rolling hills and ample vineyards of this southeastern part of the Czech Republic have earned it the nickname “The Moravian Tuscany”. This picturesque area, located in the Hodonín District near the town of Kyjov, is a haven for photographers. Moravia has a rich history, and the long-settled region has been a part of numerous empires. Medieval and Ottoman castles are among the historic highlights.

Poppies have been revered for their beauty and medicinal qualities since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans used them as offerings to the dead. Poppies on tombstones represented eternal sleep, a symbology Frank L. Baum used when the characters in The Wizard of Oz begin to fall asleep in a poppy field. Today poppies are seen as a symbol of peace and hope, and are often used as a symbol of remembrance, particularly in Europe and North America.