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Why is the maple leaf in the middle of the Canadian flag
National symbols of Canada are the symbols that are used in Canada and abroad to represent the country and its people. Prominently, the use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and is depicted on its current and previous flags. This is why the maple leaf sits in the middle of the Canadian flag. -
Canada's first flag.
Before having the flag that is known of today, Canada used the British Jack flag. Canada used this flag when starting out as a country because they were united with the country of Britain and had shared the same colony. The flag combines aspects of three older national flags: the red cross of St George of the Kingdom of England, the white saltire of St Andrew for Scotland (which two were united in the first Union Flag), and the red saltire of St Patrick to represent Ireland. -
Why these colours?
In December 1964, Parliament voted to adopt a new design. Canada's national flag was to be red and white, the official colors of Canada as decided by King George V of Britain in 1921, with a stylized 11-point red maple leaf in its center.The national colours of Canada were 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 represent those countries in the past. -
The day the flag was born.
Out of three choices, the maple leaf design by George Stanley, based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada, was selected. The flag made its first official appearance on February 15, 1965; the date is now celebrated annually as National Flag of Canada Day. -
What is the meaning of the flag?
On February 15th, 1965, the modern Canadian flag, bearing its hallmark maple leaf, was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Today, the maple leaf is a recognized symbol of Canada; it has also come to symbolize unity, tolerance, and peace.
