Why Is the Maple Leaf a Canadian Symbol?
The maple tree is important to the Canadian economy and environment as well as being a beautiful and iconic part of the Canadian landscape. Thirteen species of maple are native to North America, and 10 of them are found in Canada. Throughout history, the maple leaf has gained importance as a Canadian symbol, to the point where it is now the most recognizable symbol of the country.
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Early Importance
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It's thought that the maple leaf was used as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. Even before that, maple sap served as an important source of food for the native population.
First Official Use as a Symbol
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The Saint Jean Baptiste Society was founded in 1834 to preserve the French language and national history and to promote the independence of Quebec. The society chose the maple leaf as its symbol. In 1848 the maple leaf was referred to as the chosen emblem of Canada in a Toronto literary annual.
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Use by Troops
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By 1860, the 100th Regiment (the Royal Canadians) incorporated the image of the maple leaf into its badge. It was again used by Canadian troops in 1939 during World War II as a distinctive symbol of their Canadian identity.
Confederation Song
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In 1867, Alexander Muir wrote Canada's confederation song. It was titled "The Maple Leaf Forever" and was regarded as the national song of Canada for many decades.
State Symbol
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Ontario and Quebec included the maple leaf in their coat of arms by 1867.
Use on Currency
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At one point, the maple leaf was on every Canadian coin, but today it remains on only the penny.
National Symbol
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On February 15, 1965, the national flag of Canada was inaugurated. The red and white flag features the maple leaf as the only symbol. Previously the Canadian flag had a small Union Jack in the upper-left corner. French Canadians did not approve because they had no ties to England. English Canadians were more keen to keep it. One third of the population was neither French Canadian nor English Canadian and wanted something entirely new. The maple leaf symbolized and celebrated a uniquely Canadian identity.
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