What Does the Maple Leaf Symbolize on the Canadian Flag?
The present day Canadian flag consists of a red, 11-pointed maple leaf on a field of white, with wide, vertical red stripes banding the flag on the right and left sides. This modern-day flag was approved by Parliament on October 22, 1964. However, it was not proclaimed into law until it was approved on February 15, 1965 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
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History: Flags Under French Rule
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Since Canada gained its independence slowly---through an evolution of government and politics rather than a revolution of battles---it has flown predominantly foreign flags. According to Canadian Heritage, an official Canadian government Web site, the earliest flag was three gold fleur de lis on a field of blue. This symbol of French sovereignty was adopted after Jacques Cartier claimed Canada for France.
History: Flags Under British Rule
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In the early 1760's, Canada was ceded to the United Kingdom and began flying the Royal Union flag, or Union Jack. The Union Jack consisted of a red Cross of St. George on top of a white, diagonal Cross of St. Andrew on a field of blue.
Canada flew this flag until 1870, when the red, diagonal Cross of St. Patrick was added to the Union Jack following Britain's Act of Union with Ireland. -
History: Flags Under Canadian Rule
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According to Canadian Heritage, in 1870, Canada adopted the flag of the British Merchant Marines, consisting of the Union Jack in the upper left corner of a field of red. the field of red was a shield depicting the arms of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This flag was approved only for public use on land until 1892, when the British admiralty approved it for Canadian use at sea, giving it the name Red Ensign.
In 1922, the coat of arms on the Red Ensign was changed to the official Canadian coat of arms.
Adoption of the Maple Leaf
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Although Canada's flag did not always show it, the maple leaf has long been a popular symbol for Canadians. According to Canadian Heritage, the Jean-Baptiste Society adopted the maple leaf as its official symbol when it was founded on June 24, 1834. The maple leaf was worn by Canadian-born citizens on August 1, 1860 when the Prince of Wales made his first official royal visit to Canada.
In 1914, Canadian soldiers used the maple leaf on their badges, taking this symbol overseas during World War I. The same happened in 1939 during World War II when the maple leaf was displayed not only on badges, but also on military and naval equipment.
Official Canadian Flag Designed
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According to Canadian Heritage, in 1964 Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson informed the British House of Commons that the Canadian government intended to create a national flag. Pearson, according to Flags of the World, had seen Canadian soldiers sporting the maple leaf 50 years before and suggested it be incorporated into the flag.
Canadian Hertiage states that after debates narrowed to three basic choices for the flag, Mr. John Matheson and Dr. George Stanley were asked to finalize the design. Mr. Matheson was a Member of Parliament from Ontario. Dr. Stanley was Dean of Arts at the Royal Military College in Kingston. Together the men created the modern design for the Canadian flag.
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References
- Photo Credit Images courtesy of Wikipedia, Canadian Heritage
