Wattle Day

The 1st of September is Wattle Day, a time to celebrate Australia’s unique flora and fauna, as well as our history and heritage.

The colours of the wattle tree, the golden wattle blossoms and the green leaves, serve as Australia’s national colours; also, the golden wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem.

It is on this day that true Australians should especially show pride in our nation.

Waratah and Wattle

(by Henry Lawson)

Though poor and in trouble I wander alone,
With rebel cockade in my hat,
Though friends may desert me, and kindred disown,
My country will never do that!
You may sing of the Shamrock, the Thistle, the rose,
Or the three in a bunch, if you will;
But I know of a country that gathered all those,
And I love the great land where the Waratah grows.
And the Wattle-bough blooms on the hill.

Australia! Australia! so fair to behold-
While the blue sky is arching above;
The stranger should never have need to be told,
That the Wattle-bloom means that her heart is of gold.
And the Waratah’s red with her love.

Australia! Australia! most beautiful name,
Most kindly and bountiful land;
I would die every death that might save her from shame,
If a black cloud should rise on the stand;
But whatever the quarrel, whoever her foes,
Let them come! Let them come when they will!
Though the struggle be grim, ’tis Australia that knows
That her children shall fight while the Waratah grows,
And the Wattle blooms out on the hill.

Further reading:
“What is National Wattle Day?”, Wattle Day Association Inc.
“Unveiling the significance and beauty of the Golden Wattle flower”, Picture This
“Wattle”, Floral Gift Planet
“The Golden Wattle and its significance”, Military Shop
“Australian floral emblem”, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australian Government)
“Australian national colours”, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australian Government)
“Golden Wattle”, Our Ranges
“Wattle Day”, The Institute of Australian Culture
“Wattle Day”, Wikipedia