Wattle Day
National Wattle Day is a celebration of Australia and Australians. The Golden Wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem, it’s a symbol of Australia, our national colours that our sporting teams proudly display, and it represents us all.
When in flower, the golden wattle displays our national colours - green and gold. The same species has graced Australia's Coat of Arms for over 100 years and can be found on the insignia of the Order of Australia. Aboriginal people have an important traditional relationship with several wattle species, which they have used for food, fuel, medicine and even weapons.
On 1 September 1988, Golden Wattle was officially declared as Australia's national floral emblem and in 1992, the first day of September each year was officially recognised as 'National Wattle Day' by the Commonwealth of Australia.
When in flower, the golden wattle displays our national colours - green and gold. The same species has graced Australia's Coat of Arms for over 100 years and can be found on the insignia of the Order of Australia. Aboriginal people have an important traditional relationship with several wattle species, which they have used for food, fuel, medicine and even weapons.
On 1 September 1988, Golden Wattle was officially declared as Australia's national floral emblem and in 1992, the first day of September each year was officially recognised as 'National Wattle Day' by the Commonwealth of Australia.
What does Wattle represent?
With more than 760 different species that grow right across the country, the wattle is a symbol of unity. Like Australians themselves, wattles are diverse. They come in all shapes and sizes and are found in all of our natural environments - from the outback to the tropics - yet they are all recognisable as part of the same family. Wattle is perfectly suited to survive Australia's droughts, winds and bushfires. The resilience of wattle represents the strong spirit of the Australian people.
In recent years, the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) has been used as a symbol of remembrance and reflection. For example, on national days of mourning many Aussies wear a sprig of wattle.
Wattle symbolises Spring as it starts flowering in Winter and welcomes the season of new beginnings. Wattle Day not only signifies the first day of Spring, it also represents 'Australianness', the Australian environment, and our history. Wattle Day is a great opportunity for us all to celebrate what it means to be Australian, along with the nation's good sense of humour, fairness, generosity, natural beauty, and diversity.
With more than 760 different species that grow right across the country, the wattle is a symbol of unity. Like Australians themselves, wattles are diverse. They come in all shapes and sizes and are found in all of our natural environments - from the outback to the tropics - yet they are all recognisable as part of the same family. Wattle is perfectly suited to survive Australia's droughts, winds and bushfires. The resilience of wattle represents the strong spirit of the Australian people.
In recent years, the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) has been used as a symbol of remembrance and reflection. For example, on national days of mourning many Aussies wear a sprig of wattle.
Wattle symbolises Spring as it starts flowering in Winter and welcomes the season of new beginnings. Wattle Day not only signifies the first day of Spring, it also represents 'Australianness', the Australian environment, and our history. Wattle Day is a great opportunity for us all to celebrate what it means to be Australian, along with the nation's good sense of humour, fairness, generosity, natural beauty, and diversity.
