Wattle Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 22, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Wattle Day has both historical and cultural importance in Australia.

Where is Wattle Day celebrated?

National Wattle Day is observed in Australia, and this day has a huge significance in Australia. The first-ever National Wattle Day was celebrated in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide in 1910, but it was not officially acknowledged.

Who is Wattle Day celebrated by?

Australian people primarily commemorate this day. However, Australians living far from their homeland can also observe this day. Anyone who is in Australia during this period can be a part of the celebration. 

When did the Wattle Day celebration start?

The official Wattle Day started in 1992 in Australia. However, the origin of this day goes back to the 1800s, and in 1910 it was celebrated for the first time before its official recognition.

Who started Wattle Day?

Wattle Day was officially acknowledged in 1992, and it was declared official by Australia's Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Bill Hayden, on September 1, 1992.

History And Timelines

The Wattle Day marks the patriotic spirit and the beginning of spring. In 1838 the first Anniversary Regatta of Hobart Town was held in Tasmania. From there, the tradition of incorporating a wattle sprig and wattle blossom in their attire started. 

Traditions And Customs

No fixed traditions and customs are to be followed. However, people used to wear a wattle sprig to celebrate this day. You can start your own traditions and customs to make this day more memorable.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Wattle Day

You can decorate your house with wattles or host a get-together for friends and family. Schools can encourage students to decorate their classes.

You could put on the traditional wattle sprig as a form of celebration. Paying tribute to the volunteers during the war and researching more about wattle or plating a wattle tree can also be done on this day.

Facts And Stats

  • Wattle trees have existed for more than 30 billion years in Australia, and there are approximately 1070 types of species, out of which Golden Wattle is the national flower. On this day, local gardens put these flowers on display for people to enjoy the view.
  • The day was officially recognized as National Wattle Day on June 23, 1992.
  • People pay tribute to the volunteers of the war on this day.

Celebration Of Black Wattle

Silver wattle blossoms were mainly used in the early days of the celebration. However, the silver wattles were soon swapped with black wattles that were more commonly found. The tradition of using black wattle sprigs continued till 1883.

1883

Suggestion For The Day

Archibald James Campbell, a prominent naturalist, delivered a speech through which he proposed establishing a day dedicated to wattles. 

1908

Revival Of Wattle Day

The 'Wattle Lady' or Maria Hitchcock initiated a campaign through which she wanted to revive Wattle Day. She further recommended that the Acacia pycnantha be recognized as Australia's national floral emblem. 

1986

Australia's National Floral Emblem

Golden wattle became the national flower of Australia and was designated by the governor-general. 

August 19,1988

Foundation Of National Wattle Day

Finally, a day was assigned to recognize this day as National Wattle Day officially. And since then, it has been celebrated all over Australia.

June 23, 1992

Who encouraged the celebration of Wattle Day?

Many people have encouraged the celebration of Wattle Day over the years. However, mention should be made particularly of Archibald James Campbell, the president of the 'Wattle Club.' Also, J. H. Maiden, who headed the 'Wattle Day League,' and Maria Hitchcock, who restored this day. Over the years, the combined effort of these people has made this day possible.

Why are some people excited about Wattle Day?

Wattle Day is the celebration of nature, the celebration of patriotism. It is the day when people can come together and have a good time admiring nature or remembering the lives lost in World War II.

People are eager to decorate their houses with different kinds of wattles, such as the golden wattle. All of these aspects make this even more exciting for some people.

What are some important facts about Wattle Day?

Wattle Day is to commemorate the importance of the role that wattles play in Australia historically, culturally, and economically. However, in New South Wales, Wattle Day is celebrated on August 1. Therefore there are two Wattle Days in Australia.

What is the historical significance of Wattle Day?

Historically, wattles have major historical significance. The wattle is native to Australia, and a lot of facets are inspired by wattles.

It has been utilized since 1800 as a part of various celebrations. After that, with the introduction of 'Wattle Club' and 'Wattle Day League,' wattle became even more prominent.

This day is celebrated each year to welcome the blooming wattles and remember all the martyrs to whom pressed wattles were sent or how funds were raised to support the Red Cross. Later the Golden Wattle became the national flower, green and gold became the national color of Australia.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, August 31, 2020
  • Tuesday, August 31, 2021
  • Wednesday, August 31, 2022
  • Thursday, August 31, 2023
  • Saturday, August 31, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

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