Wattle Day

Wattle Day is a holiday that brings the essence of spring into your life, celebrated on September 1. In Australia, this date marks the beginning of spring and coincides 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 took place under an arch decorated with beautiful flowers. In later regattas, participants adorned their outfits with sprigs of silver acacia.

References to the plant are common in Australian literature and poetry, especially between 1860 and 1900. During this period, a movement began 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 admire the bloom. Campbell proposed the idea of Wattle Day, and interest surged after World War I, continuing until 1930.

Half a century later, the golden and green hues of the wattle were officially recognized as Australia’s national colors, sparking renewed interest in the acacia. The Wattle Day League was revived, and September 1 was designated as Wattle Day. The first official celebration took place 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 the depiction is botanically inaccurate.
• The plant is resistant to fire, drought, and strong winds.
• In some countries, this acacia is considered invasive, including India, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, and Sardinia.

How to Take Part

Decorate your home with acacia blossoms, or use yellow garlands with fresh green foliage. Wattle Day is also about the preservation of nature, so explore ways to contribute to the wellbeing of the planet, plants, and the environment. Enjoy the beauty of nature by spending the day outside the city, in a park, hiking, or even planting a tree near your home.

When is Wattle Day celebrated in 2025?

Wattle Day is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations