Whenever someone says Canada, what is the first thing that comes to the mind? Maple leaf, right? For years, the maple leaf has been synonymous with Canada and its people. What’s more, the Canadian national flag has the symbol of a large maple leaf at its center. But why does Canada’s flag have a maple leaf on it? What does it symbolise? Let us find out.

 

History of the Canadian Flag

Before we discuss the importance of the maple leaf, let us dig into the history of the Canadian flag.

 

The Canadian flag was quite different from the one that we see today. When the Canadian Federation was established in 1867, no special flag was created for the country. During this period, Canada continued to use the flags of British North America and the United Kingdom’s Royal Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack. These flags continued to be in use until 1965.

 

During the 1870s, another British flag began to be used as Canada’s national flag. This flag, known as the Red Ensign, had been in unofficial use at the sea and lands since the 1870s, and was considered a prominent national symbol in Canada. There were various versions of this flag and included multiple elements such as wreaths of maple leaves, beavers, and crowns. This flag was known as the Canadian Red Ensign and was considered a combination of the Union Jack and the shield of Canada.

 

In 1921, when Canada progressed further as an independent nation, it became essential to create Canadian symbols that were not only unique but were also representative of the country. The same year, King George V granted Royal Arms to Canada, following which the shield of Canada’s new official coat of arms was displayed on the Canadian Red Ensign. The Canadian Red Ensign continued to represent the Canadian Federation during World War II.

 

However, Canadians wanted a flag that represented them and their culture. While attempts were made in 1925 and 1946 to design a unique national flag, the then Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King rejected the requests owing to the fear of political instability. Hence, the Canadian government continued to use the Union Jack and the Canadian Red Ensign as the country’s national flags.

In 1960, opposition leader Lester B. Pearson, keen on showcasing Canada as a unified and independent country, promised to create a new flag for the country. Upon being elected as the Prime Minister in 1963, Pearson proposed a flag design that consisted of a sprig of three red maple leaves on a plain white background, bordered by two blue stripes. However, this idea was rejected by most people. 

 

Later, the parliamentary committee accepted the idea proposed by George Stanley, who was the Dean of Arts at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. Stanley suggested a flag design that displayed a large maple leaf in the center, bordered by two red stripes on both sides. This idea was shortlisted, and is today the symbol of the Canadian national flag.

 

On 28 January 1965, the Canadian flag was made official through a proclamation by Queen Elizabeth II. On 15 February 1965, the flag was inaugurated in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill. 

 

Importance of Maple Leaf

Before the maple leaf became a part of the Canadian flag, it had a long history of use in Canada. Around the 19th century, the maple leaf became synonymous with the Canadian identity and could be found everywhere in mainstream culture, including in books, coins, badges, songs, banners, and so on. 

 

While many Canadians had already adopted the maple leaf as an identity symbol, it was during World War I that the members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force wore the maple leaf as a badge on their caps. Today, the single maple leaf, displayed on the Canadian national flag, has been carved on the headstones of several Canadian men and women who laid down their lives in the two world wars. Thus, the maple leaf, seen as the symbol of pride, loyalty, and courage, was chosen for the country’s national flag.

 

Conclusion

The Canadian national flag is synonymous with the maple leaf. The maple leaf is a symbol of pride, courage, and loyalty for Canadians. It represents the people of Canada and their culture, and is important to the country.

 

FAQs

 

1. Which flag was first used in Canada?

The Union Jack was used from 1867 to 1921 to represent Canada.

 

2. Who proposed the idea of a new Canadian flag?

Lester B. Pearson proposed the idea of creating a new Canadian flag after the Second World War.

 

3. When was the Canadian flag made official?

The Canadian flag was made official by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 January 1965.

 

4. Which flag represented Canada during the Second World War?

The Canadian Red Ensign represented Canada during the Second World War.

 

5. What does the maple leaf symbolise?

The maple leaf symbolises courage, loyalty, and pride.