Badge - 'Wattle Day', Australia, circa 1914

Search the collections

This item is on display at Melbourne Museum

Summary:: Alternative Name(s): Button

'Wattle Day' badge, made and used circa 1914.

The first 'national' Wattle Day was celebrated in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide on 1 September 1910. Wattle had become a symbol of Australia with the approach of Federation. It was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives' Association, established in 1871 and a strong advocate for native-born Australians and Federation. It later became an advocate for White Australia. Public support for Wattle Day peaked during World War I, when it was a potent symbol of home for military personnel serving overseas, and a means of raising money for organisations such as the Red Cross. Beautifully designed Wattle Day badges as well as wattle sprigs were sold. The influence of Wattle Day waned as the 20th century progressed, but in 1992 the Governor-General declared 1 September National Wattle Day.
Description:: This circular badge has green and yellow wattle sprigs on a light and dark brown background. There is black text on an inset square of light brown/cream in the lower right hand quarter of the badge.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mrs Bronwyn Mitchell, 1994

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	2.20 cm (Width)

Tagged with:	fundraising, wars conflicts, wattle day, world war i 1914-1918
Themes this item is part of:	Wattle Day, Public Life & Institutions Collection
On Display at:	Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification:	CELEBRATIONS & TRADITIONS
Secondary Classification:	Wattle Day
Tertiary Classification:	badges
Inscriptions:	Text: WATTLE DAY
Date Made:	Australia, circa 1914
Date Used:	Australia, circa 1914