You don’t need to know about a lot of cultures to recognize the Flag of Canada, probably one of the best-known national symbols of this North American country.
Canada is one of the countries that have less rigid immigration policies that facilitate the welcome of students, professionals, and, in general, people of foreign origin who wish to reside in this world destination.
If you are interested in living in Canada, knowing the history and culture of this country will be essential to have context about the history and meaning of one of the most common symbols: the Flag of Canada, known in English as The Maple Leaf.
In addition, if you are a foreigner and have plans to nationalize in Canada, one of the requirements to obtain permits to be a citizen of this nation is to prove, through an exam, that you have the essential knowledge about the culture of the country, including information about its history and most representative symbols.
Despite the fact that the Flag of Canada is a relatively young symbol, at least compared to other flags representing countries, it has accumulated little more than half a century of history that is worth knowing, especially if you want to live an experience of cultural exchange in More enriching Canada or if you are a curious person or wanting to be more cultured.
Do you want to start your journey through the history and meaning of the Flag of Canada? Let’s go for it!
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History of the current Flag of Canada
The Flag of Canada, as we know it today, was officially established in 1964, following an election by the parliamentary committee after considering a few thousand designs submitted by Canadian citizens.
The need to renew the national flag arises from a controversy motivated by the design of the previous Flag of Canada, which in turn carried the Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom. This detail was not to the liking of the French-speaking population of the country.
This is how its architects, George F. G. Stanley, historian; and John Matheson, lawyer and politician, both war veterans and united by a fondness for heraldry and history, begin to rethink a new design for the national flag.
One fine day, while walking through the Royal Military College of Canada, they found the right option after being inspired by the flag of this institution. They both concluded that if the Flag of Canada was reminiscent of the Royal Military College design, it would be to the liking of the generation that fought in World War II.
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Meaning and origin of the parts of the Flag of Canada
As you may know, the Flag of Canada design consists of three stripes: two on the sides are red and a central one is white, approximately twice as wide. In the center of the white stripe there is a large red maple leaf that has become one of the most representative symbols of Canada and for many, the fastest way to recognize this flag with the naked eye.
Each part of the Flag of Canada has a meaning of historical origin that we will review below:
Red stripes
The red color of the stripes that you can see on the sides of this Canadian symbol, refers to the cross of Saint George (patron of England), which was the emblem of the first flag that was flown in Canada and until the day of today it continues to be part of the Flag of England and several flags of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Central white stripe
This strip represented in white color refers to the French royal emblem used since the reign of Carlos VII.
In addition, along with red, white is another of the colors present in both the French and English flags, key nations in Canadian history.
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Maple Leaf
The eleven-pointed maple leaf that appears right in the middle of the Canadian flag is, without a doubt, the most significant symbol to emerge in Canadian history.
The maple leaf, as a symbol of Canadian identity, was born in the 19th century and was everywhere in popular culture: books, songs, coins, badges, graphic advertisements, and many other everyday objects.
In addition to representing all the nature and environment of Canada, many citizens consider it a shared symbol of pride, courage, and loyalty, considering that during World War I, it was used as a cap insignia by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force until it became the nation’s most recognized emblem.
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6 curiosities about the Flag of Canada
If for you it is not enough to know the basics of the history, design, and meaning of the Flag of Canada, you are the typical curious person and you always want to investigate a little further, then we will share with you a series of curious facts about the famous maple leaf flag.
All these facts
All these facts, in addition to being very interesting, can help you to look like the smart one of your friends in any meeting or exchange with foreigners:
The maple leaf so characteristic of the Canadian flag has a number of tips that do not match that of any of the ten different varieties of maple that grow in Canada. This is not only due to a need for simplification at an aesthetic level but also with the aim that no region of the country would take the sheet as its own and that all territories identify with it.
The connection between Canada and the maple leaf is so emotional throughout history that even this is the symbol carved on many of the headstones of the Canadian servicemen and women who gave their lives during the two world wars.
As it is a flag with much more modern and recent history, the Government of Canada invested in campaigns and promotions designed to raise the visibility of this symbol and promote the use of the flag as much as possible among its nationals and institutions. Not all Canadian citizens have welcomed this type of campaign and on more than one occasion, the controversy was created after being considered a waste of public money.
Unlike many flags of countries that we will see in history, the Flag of Canada is distinguished by not having any law or official regulation that regulates its good or bad uses. Although ministerial guidelines exist, Canadian citizens are free to use this flag where, when, and how they want.
The creators of the Flag of Canada used wind tunnels to choose the most recognizable maple leaf at any distance, with the strongest wind, and under different adverse conditions, so it has very remarkable aerodynamics.
As you have noticed throughout history, the Flag of Canada has always made direct or indirect allusion to the relationship of this country with England and France.
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Conclusions about the flag of Canada
Surely by now, you have more information about the Flag of Canada than you knew at the beginning, even if you have had this symbol in front of it on multiple occasions.
Now is your turn!
Do not keep all the knowledge for yourself: take advantage of these new learnings about the meaning of the Flag of Canada to share them with the rest of the world, surprise with the curious facts that surround this flag and even, if you have plans to become a Canadian citizen, to succeed in the Canadian knowledge test.
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