ProvenanceViolet Day began in Adelaide in 1915 as an event to remember those dead in war, a reaction to events at Gallipoli. In 1919 Violet Day activities in Adelaide took place on 20 June. Towns throughout South Australia observed Violet Day on a range of different dates through June and July.
Badges like this one, posies of violets, and ribbons, were sold to raise money for the war effort.SignificanceViolet Day was a significant fundraising event born out of the Cheer-Up Society in the First World War and continuing through the interwar years, the Second World War, and until 1970 when the last Violet Day was held. While isolated events with the name took place interstate, the ongoing marking of such a day was unique to South Australia and Broken Hill.
This badge and others like it are representative of the fundraising efforts on the home front during the world wars, and of ongoing fundraising and support for returned soldiers in South Australia.DescriptionCircular badge: printed paper between tin base and celluloid cover. White background - rim features 16 designs of regimental colours. Inset: Top & bottom drawings of violets. Marked 'In Remembrance of Famous S.A. Troops that helped to secure Victory. Violet Day, 1919'.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementKeywordsbadgescharity badgesViolet Dayfundraisingwartime badgesDate of Creation1919Date of Usage1919MaterialTin
|paper
|celluloid DimensionType: Total
Unit (Lengths): mm Accession NumberHT 1985.2723
