National symbols of Canada

Over the course of centuries, a multitude of national symbols and material items have arisen as uniquely Canadian or possessing uniquely Canadian characteristics. These symbols and items represent the culture of Canada— protectionism of that culture, identity, values, nationalism, and the heritage of its inhabitants.

Themes and symbols of nature, pioneers, trappers, and traders played an important part in the early development of Canadian symbolism. Modern symbols emphasize the country's geography, cold climate, lifestyles and the Canadianization of traditional European and indigenous symbols.

A 2013 Statistics Canada survey found that more than 90% of Canadians believed that the national flag and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms were the top symbols of Canadian identity. Next highest were the national anthem (O Canada), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and ice hockey. A similar poll by Ipsos Reid in 2008 indicated that the maple leaf was the primary item that defines Canada. Followed by ice hockey, the national flag, the beaver, the Canadarm, Canada Day and Canadian Forces peacekeeping.

Predominant symbols

Canada’s most well known symbol is the maple leaf, which was first used by French colonists in the 1700s. Since the 1850s under British rule, the maple leaf has been used on military uniforms and subsequently engraved on the headstones of individuals who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The maple leaf is prominently depicted on the country's current and previous flags, and on the coat of arms (or royal arms). The maple leaf has also been seen on the penny before the penny officially stopped circulation in 2013. Canada's official tartan known as the "Maple leaf tartan" four colours reflect the colours of the maple leaf as it changes through the seasons—green in the spring, gold in the early autumn, red at the first frost, and brown after falling.

Other prominent symbols include the national motto " A Mari Usque Ad Mare" (''From Sea to Sea)'', the sports of hockey and lacrosse, the beaver, Canada Goose, Canadian horse, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Rockies, the Canadian parliamentary complex, the Canadarm, and more recently the Canadianization of totem poles and Inuksuks. With material items such as Canadian beer, maple syrup, tuques, canoes, nanaimo bars, butter tarts and the Quebec dish of poutine being defined as uniquely Canadian. A six pointed hexagonal snowflake used as the insignia for the Order of Canada (a national honour system) has come to symbolize Canada's northern heritage and diversity. The country's institutions of health care, military peacekeeping, the national park system and the ''Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms'' are seen as uniquely Canadian by its citizens.

The Crown displaying traditional cross pattées and fleurs-de-lis symbolizes the Canadian monarchy, and appears on the coat of arms (used by parliamentarians and government ministries), the flag of the Governor General, the coats of arms of many provinces and territories; the badges of several federal departments, the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Military College of Canada, many regiments, and other police forces; on buildings, as well as some highway signs and licence plates. Also, the former Queen's image on Canadian stamps, $20 bank notes, and all coins.

Official and de facto symbols

The following is a list of official and de facto symbols, as recognized by the government of Canada. They are not shown in any order of precedence.

See also

*Anthems and nationalistic songs of Canada
*Events of National Historic Significance
*Great Canadian Flag Debate
*List of Canadian awards
* List of Canadian flags
*National Historic Sites of Canada
*Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada
*Orders, decorations, and medals of the Canadian provinces
*Persons of National Historic Significance
*Regional tartans of Canada

References

Further reading

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External links

Canadian Heritage: Symbols of Canada
(PDF)

{{North America topic, National symbols of, countries_only=yes