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Violet Day
Description
NameViolet Day
DescriptionAs in Australia, from 1914, violets, a symbol of remembrance, were sold annually in Christchurch, initially to fundraise for the people of Belgium. Sellers were dispatched to the streets with boxes of bunches of violets on trays, which were given to those making a donation towards the war effort. In 1914, 500 pounds was raised. By 1916 this was extended to Selwyn: Friday 25th August that year was Violet Day in Leeston, with buttonholes of violets sold in exchange for a silver coin, with proceeds going to the Red Cross Fund. In 1916 the Leeston branch of the Red Cross also sent three boxes of violets and spring flowers to the Art Gallery in Christchurch for Violet Day, which they continued to do up until at least 1920. Violet Days were also held at other Canterbury locations including Methven and Tai Tapu. Spring flowers were provided from the gardens of Otahuna for the event.
DescriptionAs in Australia, from 1914, violets, a symbol of remembrance, were sold annually in Christchurch, initially to fundraise for the people of Belgium. Sellers were dispatched to the streets with boxes of bunches of violets on trays, which were given to those making a donation towards the war effort. In 1914, 500 pounds was raised. By 1916 this was extended to Selwyn: Friday 25th August that year was Violet Day in Leeston, with buttonholes of violets sold in exchange for a silver coin, with proceeds going to the Red Cross Fund. In 1916 the Leeston branch of the Red Cross also sent three boxes of violets and spring flowers to the Art Gallery in Christchurch for Violet Day, which they continued to do up until at least 1920. Violet Days were also held at other Canterbury locations including Methven and Tai Tapu. Spring flowers were provided from the gardens of Otahuna for the event.Publication
Connections
Violet Day. Selwyn Stories, accessed 29/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/5429