|
|
Symbols of Canada
|
Canada has many symbols that are used to represent it here at home and around
the world. This page shows some of those symbols and gives a little information
about each. For provincial symbols visit this site's provinces page.
|
|
The Flag
|
|
|
The maple leaf flag of Canada was first raised on 15 February, 1965. The flag,
designed by George Stanley, was picked from a number of proposals. The first
ever maple leaf flag was stitched by Joan O'Malley. For more information about
Canada's flag visit this site's flags page.
|
|
Canadian Colours
|
|
Red and white are the official colours of Canada. They were designated Canada's
official colours by King George V on 21 November, 1921, in the proclamation of
the Royal Arms of Canada.
|
|
The Coat of Arms
|
|
|
The Canadian coat of arms were given to Canada by His Majesty King George V on
21 November, 1921. The arms reflect the royal symbols of Britain and France. On
the shield there are the three royal lions of England, The royal lion of
Scotland, the royal harp of Ireland, and the royal fleurs-de-lis of France.
On the bottom of the shield there is a sprig of three maple leaves
representative of Canadians of all origins. The ribbon around the shield has the
motto of the Order of Canada: "Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam". (They desire a
better country). The arms of Canada show a royal helmet, which is a barred
helmet of gold looking outward and draped in a mantle of white and red. On the
royal helmet is the crest. This symbol consists of a wreath of twisted white and
red silk on which stands a crowned gold lion holding in its right paw a red
maple leaf. The lion is a symbol of valour and courage. The crest is used to
mark the sovereignty of Canada. The supporters on either side of the arms are a
lion and a unicorn holding the British and French flags. Under the supporters is
Canada's Motto: "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea). At the bottom of the
arms are the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Irish shamrock, and the
French fleurs-de-Lis. At the top of the arms is the imperial crown.
|
|
The Maple Leaf and Tree
|
|
|
The maple leaf is Canada's most prominent symbol, recognized as Canadian all
around the world. According to many historians, the maple leaf began to serve as
a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. The maple tree was officially proclaimed the
national arboreal emblem of Canada on 25 April, 1996.
|
|
The Beaver
|
|
|
Another symbol of Canada is the beaver. The beaver has played an important role
in the history of Canada since the first explorers arrived here and started the
fur trade. It has been used in emblems by many Canadian companies throughout the
years. From the Hudson's Bay Company to the Canadian Pacific Railway. The beaver
was made an official emblem of Canada on 24 March, 1975 when royal assent was
given to "an act to provide for the recognition of the beaver (castor canadensis)
as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada".
|
|
The Great Seal of Canada
|
|
|
The Great Seal of Canada is used on all state documents such as proclamations
and commissions of cabinet ministers, senators, judges and senior government
officials. It's made of specially tempered steel, weighs 3.75 kilograms and is
12.7 centimetres in diameter. The seal dates back to the beginning of the reign
of Elizabeth the Second. The seal bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, in her
robes, holding the orb and sceptre, and shows her sitting on the coronation chair.
|
|
|
