A Golden History: The Story of National Wattle Day

National Wattle Day is coming up next Sunday. Celebrated on the first day of September each year, this is a special occasion that unites Australians in celebrating our unique flora and fauna. But how did this beloved tradition come to be?

The journey of Wattle Day began in the early 20th century. A growing sense of national identity was emerging, and Australians were searching for symbols that represented their country. The golden wattle, with its vibrant blooms and resilience, was a natural choice. However, the tradition of celebrating with wattle blooms has much deeper roots. The first use of Acacia as a “National emblem” occurred in 1838, when organizers of a commemorative regatta in Hobart encouraged participants to wear sprigs of ‘silver wattle’.

Various initiatives to promote the wattle as a national symbol followed, laying the groundwork for the eventual establishment of Wattle Day. In 1909 the Wattle Day League was formed with the explicit goal of creating a dedicated day to celebrate the wattle. While there was initial debate about whether the wattle or the waratah should be chosen as the national floral emblem, the wattle ultimately prevailed.

WATTLE DAY By A. M. Campbell, of Nelligen

Published in the Moruya Examiner 1936

Away on the South Coast, where the winter still lingers,
And mist covered mountains seem to harbour the cold
The young Queen of Springtime, with fairy-like fingers,
Is weaving into garlands bright blossoms of gold.

The hillsides are lilting, the valleys are voicing,
A Lyric of Beauty, set to richest perfume,
And birds of the forest keep singing, rejoicing
As they watch the green wattles burst forth in full bloom.

The lure of their beauty, sweet fragrance distilling,
Leads us back through green lanes to the dreamland of old,
And voices are calling, while wattles are spilling
Their incense of gladness from goblets of gold!

Though bountiful Nature, throughout Australasia,
Has fashioned our Flora, in richest array;
That Darling of August, the Golden Acacia,
Is the National blossom we honor today!

Its right Royal Beauty, makes pleasing the duty,
That prompts us, when the flowers of our country unfold,
To don its regalia and honor Australia,
With Buttonhole badges of Wattle Tree Gold!

The first Wattle Day was celebrated in 1910 in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that the September 1, the first day of spring, was officially proclaimed as National Wattle Day across the entire country.

More Than Just a Day

Over the years, Wattle Day has evolved into more than just a celebration of our national flower. It has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and Australian identity. The day is often marked by community events, school celebrations, and the wearing of wattle blossoms.

Interestingly, Wattle Day also played a significant role during World War I. Sprigs of wattle, postcards and wattle badges were sold to raise funds for wounded soldiers, highlighting the flower’s connection to Australian patriotism.

But it was not till the Bicentennial Year (1988), that the Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha was offically proclaimed as Australia’s national emblem. Today, National Wattle Day continues to be a cherished tradition. It’s a time to appreciate the beauty of the wattle!