What are Australia's national colors?
Australia's national colors are green and gold, inspired by the wattle, Australia's national floral emblem. They were officially proclaimed by the Governor-General in 1984.
Green and gold had been used informally for decades before they became official. Australian sporting teams wore green and gold from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The colors come from the golden wattle, with its bright yellow flowers and green leaves. The golden wattle was officially named the national floral emblem in 1988.
Sporting tradition
Many Australian national teams wear green and gold, including the cricket team, the Wallabies rugby union team, the Matildas, the Socceroos and the Olympic team.
The cricket team's baggy green cap is one of the most famous symbols of Australian sport. The Wallabies and the Olympic team typically wear gold jerseys with green trim.
The national colors are also used in official ceremonies, awards and decorations. On Wattle Day, held on 1 September, Australians celebrate the wattle and the arrival of spring. Wearing a sprig of wattle on that day is a tradition that dates back more than a century, and supporters at major sporting events often wear green and gold scarves, wigs and face paint.