Wattle Day

Wattle Day is a holiday that brings the essence of spring into your life, celebrated on September 1st. In Australia, this date marks the beginning of spring, coinciding with the blooming of wattles. The holiday was originally established to foster patriotism in Australia during a time when the nation was still in its formative years.

History

Wattle Day traces its origins to Tasmania, where the Hobart City Jubilee Regatta was held in 1838 to celebrate the anniversary of the island’s discovery by the Dutch. In honor of this event, a parade was conducted under an arch adorned with beautiful flowers. In subsequent regattas, participants decorated their outfits with sprigs of silver acacia.

Literary and poetic references to the plant are notable, particularly between 1860 and 1900. During this period, there was a movement in Australia to recognize the wattle as the national flower. The Wattle Day League was established by Archibald James Campbell, an ornithologist and naturalist who organized tours in September to enjoy the plant’s bloom. It was Campbell who proposed the idea of Wattle Day; interest in the holiday surged after World War I and continued until 1930.

Half a century later, the golden and green hues of the wattle were recognized as Australia’s national colors, and interest in the acacia peaked again. The Wattle Day League, re-established then, designated September 1st as Wattle Day. The first official celebration occurred in 1992.

Interesting Facts

• Sprigs of the plant were sold during wartime to raise funds for the Red Cross.
• Acacia branches were sent to wounded soldiers.
• The official emblem of the Commonwealth of Australia features an acacia twig, although from a botanical perspective, the depiction is inaccurate.
• The plant is resistant to fires, drought, and strong winds.
• In some countries, this acacia is considered invasive, including in India, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, and Sardinia.

How to Take Part

First, decorate your home with acacia blossoms. Alternatively, you can use yellow garlands, along with fresh green foliage. Wattle Day emphasizes the preservation of nature, so explore how you can contribute to the wellbeing of the planet, plants, and the environment. Revel in the beauty of nature—spend the day outside the city, in a park, go hiking, or plant a tree near your home.

When is Wattle Day сelebrated in 2024?

Wattle Day is observed on September 1st each year.

Observations