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What is the meaning of Canada's flag?
The flag of Canada, a red stylized maple leaf with 11 points at the centre of a white background and vertical red bands on the left and right side, not only represents the cultural heritage of the nation but also symbolizes hope, peace, tranquillity, and neutrality dominant in the country.
Why does Canada's flag have a maple leaf on it?
Most poignantly, it is a single maple leaf that is carved upon many of the headstones of Canadian service men and women who gave their lives in the 2 world wars. For many, the maple leaf was a shared symbol of pride, courage and loyalty. Stone marking the grave of an unknown soldier from the First World War.
Why does the Canadian flag have 11 points?
King George V. approved red and white as Canada's official colours in the proclamation of the royal arms of Canada in 1921. The 11 points of the maple leaf do not stand for the territories or provinces like e.g. the stars in the flag of the USA. On older flags the maple leaf has 13 or even 15 points.
What does Canada have on its flag?
Maple Leaf FlagThe National Flag of Canada, also known as the Canadian Flag or the Maple Leaf Flag (l'Unifolié in French), consists of a red field with a white square at its centre in which sits a stylized, 11-pointed red maple leaf.
What does maple leaf symbolize?
Maple symbolizes a promise of; balance, love, longevity and abundance. It also speaks of success, generosity, offering and practicality. It is connected with the power of love, longevity and money.
Why is Canada's flag red?
The national colours of Canada (French: Couleurs nationales du Canada) were declared by King George V in 1921 to be red and white and are most prominently evident on the country's national flag. Red is symbolic of England and white of France, the colours having been used representatively by those countries in the past.
What does the flag represent?
The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
What is the leaf in Canada flag?
The maple leafThe maple leaf is one of the most recognizable symbols of Canada, and has been used to represent Canadian identity since the 19th century. It is featured on coats of arms and on flags throughout Canada, including those of the Canadian Armed Forces.
What does a black Canadian flag mean?
“The police community display this flag to represent support, solidarity and respect to our fallen heroes,” said Rob Jamieson in an email to CityNews. “The dark colour of the flag is purposely subdued to show respect, and the 'thin blue line' symbolizes the police line between good and evil.”
What are 3 interesting facts about the Canadian flag?
13 things you didn't know about the Canadian flagThe maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada since the 18th century. ... In 1964, Prime Minister Lester B. ... Lester B. ... The Canadian Red Ensign was the former Canadian flag used by the federal government before the official maple-leaf design was introduced.More items...•
What is unique about the Canadian flag?
The most distinctive feature of the Canadian National Flag is the 11-pointed red maple leaf that adorns the center of the flag. A national emblem of Canada since 1834, the maple leaf was designed by Jacques Saint-Cyr, the Quebec nationalist.
What is Canada's national motto?
From Sea to SeaThe motto of the Dominion of Canada is A Mari Usque Ad Mare which is officially translated as “From Sea to Sea” and “D'un océan à l'autre ”. The phrase comes from the Latin translation of Psalm 72:8 in the Bible.
History of the Flag of Canada
The national flag of Canada is an outcome of the input of several prolonged centuries of stirred national debate to choose a design that demonstrat...
What is the meaning behind the colours of the Canadian Flag?
ColourrnrnrnrnrnrnIn 1921, King George V declared the red and white colours as the official colours of Canada. White originated from the French roy...
Interesting Facts about the Flag of Canada
rntrntrntOnce the decision to propose a new national flag for Canada had been made, a declaration document was created to be signed by Queen Elizab...
Where is the Canadian flag?
The Canadian flag flying at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The flag is horizontally symmetric and therefore the obverse and reverse sides appear identical. The width of the Maple Leaf flag is twice the height.
When did the Canadian flag become an official flag?
By the 1960s, debate for an official Canadian flag intensified and became a subject of controversy, culminating in the Great Flag Debate of 1964. In 1963, the minority Liberal government of Lester B. Pearson gained power and decided to adopt an official Canadian flag through parliamentary debate.
What was the first flag of France?
At the time of New France (1534 to the 1760s), two flags could be viewed as having national status. The first was the banner of France — a blue square flag bearing three gold fleurs-de-lys. It was flown above fortifications in the early years of the colony.
What is the Canadian flag blazon?
In heraldic terminology, the flag's blazon as outlined on the original royal proclamation is " gules on a Canadian pale argent a maple leaf of the first". The maple leaf has been used as a Canadian emblem since the 18th century.
What is the Canadian red ensign?
Canadian Red Ensign used from 1921 to 1957. The symbols in the shield represent the nations that colonized Canada, which are England ( Royal Arms of England ), Scotland ( Royal Banner of Scotland ), Ireland ( coat of arms of Ireland) and France ( coat of arms of France ), alongside the national symbol ( maple leaf ).
What is the official color of Canada?
By proclaiming the Royal Arms of Canada, King George V in 1921 made red and white the official colours of Canada; the former came from Saint George's Cross and the latter from the French royal emblem since King Charles VII.
When is Canada's national flag day?
Since 1996, February 15 has been commemorated as National Flag of Canada Day. In 1996, Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps instituted the One in a Million National Flag Challenge. This program was intended to provide Canadians with a million new national flags in time for Flag Day 1997.
When did Canada get its own flag?
Pearson that Canada would acquire its own national flag prior to the centennial of confederation in 1967.
What is the width of the Canadian flag?
vertically striped red-white-red national flag with a large central red maple leaf. It has a width-to-length ratio of 1 to 2. The establishment of the Canadian federation in 1867 was not accompanied by the creation of a special flag for the country. The imperial Union Jack and other British flags were considered sufficient, ...
What is the maple leaf symbol?
The maple leaf had been a national symbol since at least 1868, and its red colour has been described as a symbol of Canadian sacrifice during World War I. Pearson’s original flag proposal showed three red maple leaves on a white field with narrow blue vertical stripes at either end. Several individuals have been credited with suggestions ...
What is the Canadian shield?
The Canadian shield was composed of the arms of the four original provinces— Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. In 1892 this shield became a badge on the British Red Ensign, which served as a special civil ensign ( later called the Canadian Red Ensign) for Canadian vessels.
When did the Union Jack change its symbol?
The Union Jack continued to fly on land. A major change in symbols took place in 1921, when Canada was granted a distinctive new coat of arms; it quartered the symbols of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France with three green maple leaves on a silver background.
Why are maple leaves red instead of green?
In 1957 a revised artistic version incorporated red maple leaves instead of green “to show the maturity of the country.”. Agitation for a distinctive Canadian flag increased following World War II.
What is the Canadian flag?
The national flag of Canada is an outcome of the input of several prolonged centuries of stirred national debate to choose a design that demonstrated the history and heritage of the Canadian people. The earliest flag to be used in Canada was George’s cross in 1497. Later, in 1534, Jacques Cartier implanted a cross in Gaspe featuring the French royal coat of arms and the fleurs-de-lis. The Union Flag, which is the national flag of the UK (also, usually referred to as the Union Jack), was used since 1964. The use of the Union Flag continued even after Canada acquired freedom from the British in 1931, pending the implementation of its current flag in 1965.
When was the Canadian flag enacted?
The flag of Canada was then decreed by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on February 15th, 1965 during an official inauguration ceremony for the new Canadian flag on Parliament Hill.
What is the Canadian national color?
In 1921, King George V declared the red and white colours as the official colours of Canada. White originated from the French royal emblem while red originated from Saint George’s cross. Later in 1962, white and red became ingrained as the Canadian national colours, following the declaration by the Royal Standard of Canada.
Which country has the Royal Union flag?
The flag of Canada should always be in place of honor and come before the Royal Union flag. rnt. rnt. rnt. The provincial flags of Manitoba and Ontario include the royal union flag on the top right quarter of these flags while a stylized variety is planted on the flags of Newfoundland, Labrador, and British Columbia.
When was the Canadian Red Ensign approved?
In 1870, unofficially the Red Ensign, which included the Canadian shield, started being flown and was referred to as the Canadian Red Ensign and was later approved for use at sea in 1892. However, the composite shield was substituted with the Coat of Arms of Canada during its endorsement in 1921.
When did the UK use the Union flag?
The Union Flag, which is the national flag of the UK (also, usually referred to as the Union Jack), was used since 1964. The use of the Union Flag continued even after Canada acquired freedom from the British in 1931, pending the implementation of its current flag in 1965. rnrn. rnrn.
Who suggested the red and white maple leaf be part of the Canadian flag?
In 1964, George Stanley , a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada suggested that the red and white maple leaf design should be part of the Canadian flag and his design succeeded the Pearson Pennant. rnrn.
History of the Canadian Flag
During the time of New France, two different flags were considered national flags during the time of New France.
The Road to a National Flag
In 1925, the government first attempted to give Canada its national flag. Prime Minister William Lyon MacKenzie King started a committee to settle this matter, but he had to back down when people questioned any attempts to change the Royal Union Flag.
Wrapping Up
The long political and intellectual journey to settle on Canada’s national flag might seem too much. If you think about the amount of time and effort that went into finalizing their flag, you might even think that they were overdoing it.
What is the Canadian flag?
Flags are heraldic emblems. The Canadian Heraldic Authority, created in 1988, is the government body responsible for administering official heraldry in Canada. The blazon, or heraldic description for the National Flag of Canada is Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a maple leaf Gules.
What flags did Canada use?
Both before and after Confederation in 1867, Canada used the United Kingdom’s Royal Union Flag, commonly known as the Union Jack. The Royal Union Flag was used across British North America and in Canada even after Confederation (1867) until 1965.
What is the maple leaf on the Canadian flag?
The maple leaf emerged in the 19th century as a symbol of Canadian identity and was everywhere in popular culture: books, songs, coins, badges, banners, and many other items.
When was the maple leaf flag made?
The new maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. On February 15 of that year, it was inaugurated in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill. Thousands of Canadians gathered as the Canadian Red Ensign was lowered and, at the stroke of noon, the new National Flag of Canada was hoisted. Prime Minister Pearson’s words on the occasion resound with hope and determination: “May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice … sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all.”
What was the Great Flag Debate?
Debate within the committee was fierce, divided between those who wished to retain the symbols that tied Canada to its colonial history, and those who wanted Canada to adopt its own symbols for the future. This period was known as the Great Flag Debate.
When did the Canadian red ensign change to red?
The Canadian Red Ensign featuring the shield of Canada’s national coat of arms 1921-1957. In 1957, the approved artistic interpretation of the coat of arms changed the maple leaves from green to red. This version would be used until 1965.
When was the Union flag used?
The Royal Union Flag was used across British North America and in Canada even after Confederation (1867) until 1965. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
What was the first flag to fly in Canada?
The first flag recognized to have hovered in Canada was the St George's Cross approved by John Cabot when he stretched Newfoundland in 1497. In 1534, Jacques Cartier established a cross in Gaspé manner the French royal coat of arms with the fleurs-de-lis. His ship hovered a red flag with a white cross, the French naval flag at the period. New France sustained to fly the developing French military flags of that period. As the de jure national flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Flag was used correspondingly in Canada from the 1621 British settlement in Nova Scotia. Its use sustained after Canada's independence from the United Kingdom in 1931 until the acceptance of the current flag in 1965.
What is the ratio of the Canadian flag?
The flag of Canada often mentioned to as the Canadian flag. The flag features Maple Leaf, a red field with a white square at its center. The ratio of the design is 1:2:1. At the center of Canada Flag, it features a conventional red with 11-pointed maple leaf charged. The flag was adopted by Parliament for use as the country's national flag.
What does the maple leaf flag represent?
The white field is a Canadian pale has each neighboring red field is exactly half of its size and it stands a stylized red maple leaf at its center. The colors are destined to represent hope and prosperity, as well as peace, serenity and objectivity. The maple leaf design signifies the cultural heritage of the nation and the natural resources of Canada.
What does the maple leaf symbolise?
The maple leaf design signifies the cultural heritage of the nation and the natural resources of Canada.
What is the official language of Canada?
Canada is a Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The official language of Canada is English and French and their currency is Canadian Dollar. Canada comprises of two letters Canada code i.e. CA and its three letters Canada code is CAN and in digits it is 124 .
Which country used the Union flag?
As the de jure national flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Flag was used correspondingly in Canada from the 1621 British settlement in Nova Scotia.
Where is Canada located?
Canada is located in the northern part of North America. The nation shares its border with the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota (to the south), and Manitoba (to the north). With the population of 3.71 crores, ...
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Technical Description
- The National Flag of Canada is a red flag, twice as long as it is wide (proportion 2:1, or 64 units in length and 32 units in width or depth, as shown in the accompanying diagram). In its centre is a white square the width of the Flag, with a single stylized 11-point red maple leaf in the centre. The flag is horizontally symmetric. In order to be considered proper representations of the National F…
Colour Specifications
- The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), which falls under the Department of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), is responsible for maintaining the three National Standards of Canada for the Flag of Canada, namely: 1. CAN/CGSB-98.1-2018, National Flag of Canada (Outdoor Use); 2. CAN/CGSB-98.2-2018, National Flag of Canada (Indoor Use); and 3. C…
Educational and Promotional Material to Celebrate The Canadian Flag
- Through the Canadian Heritage Online System, you can request to receive educational items related to the National Flag of Canada by mail. Promotional items are also available for special occasions.
Overview
The national flag of Canada (French: le Drapeau national du Canada), often simply referred to as the Canadian flag or, unofficially, as the Maple Leaf or l'Unifolié (French: [l‿ynifɔlje]; lit. 'the one-leafed'), consists of a red field with a white square at its centre in the ratio of 1∶2∶1, in which is featured a stylized, red, 11-pointed maple leaf charged in the centre. It is the first flag to have been adopte…
Origins and design
The flag is horizontally symmetric and therefore the obverse and reverse sides appear identical. The width of the Maple Leaf flag is twice the height. The white field is a Canadian pale (a central band occupying half the width of a vertical triband flag, rather than a third of the width, named for its use in this flag); each bordering red field is exactly half its size and it bears a stylized red maple leaf at its centre. In heraldic terminology, the flag's blazon as outlined on the original royal procla…
History
The first flag known to have flown in Canada was the Saint George's Cross carried by John Cabot when he reached Newfoundland in 1497. In 1534, Jacques Cartier planted a cross in Gaspé bearing the French royal coat of arms with the fleurs-de-lis. The Royal Banner of France or "Bourbon Flag" held a position of some prominence in New France, with the evolving variations of French militar…
Alternative flags
As a symbol of the nation's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and allegiance to the Crown, the Royal Union Flag is an official Canadian flag and is flown on certain occasions. Regulations require federal installations to fly the Royal Union Flag beside the national flag when physically possible, using a second flagpole, on the following days: Commonwealth Day (the second Mond…
Protocol
No law dictates the proper use of the Canadian flag. Canadian Heritage has released guidelines on how to correctly display the flag alone and with other flags. The guidelines deal with the order of precedence in which the Canadian flag is placed, where the flag can be used, how it is used, and what people should do to honour the flag. The suggestions, titled Flag Etiquette in Canada, were published by Canadian Heritage in book and online formats and last updated in August 2011.
No law dictates the proper use of the Canadian flag. Canadian Heritage has released guidelines on how to correctly display the flag alone and with other flags. The guidelines deal with the order of precedence in which the Canadian flag is placed, where the flag can be used, how it is used, and what people should do to honour the flag. The suggestions, titled Flag Etiquette in Canada, were published by Canadian Heritage in book and online formats and last updated in August 2011.
The flag itself can be displayed on any day at buildings operated by the Government of Canada, airports, military bases, and diplomatic offices, as well as by citizens, during any time of the day. When flying the flag, it must be flown using its own pole and must not be inferior to other flags, save for, in descending order, the Queen's standard, the governor general's standard, any of the p…
Promoting the flag
Since the adoption of the Canadian flag in 1965, the Canadian government has sponsored programs to promote it. Examples include the Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the flag program run by the Department of Public Works. These programs increased the exposure of the flag and the concept that it was part of the national identity. T…
See also
• List of Canadian flags
• List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols
Bibliography
• Archbold, Rick (2002). I Stand For Canada. Macfarlane Walter & Ross. ISBN 1-55199-108-X.
• Levine, Allan. "The Great Flag Debate" Canada’s History 94#6 (2014–15): 32–37
• Matheson, Col. John R. (1980). Canada's Flag: A Search for a Country. Mika Publishing Company. ISBN 0-919303-01-3.