Why does the canadian flag have a leaf on it?

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Michael C...

"Hi"....Firstly the National Official Symbol for Canada is the "Maple Leaf " and yes the Canadian Flag represents the whole country . *S*
( Note...however that each Province (10) and Territory (3) also has it's own flag )

Historically it's believed that the maple leaf became a Canadian symbol as early as the 1700's as the First Nations peoples were using the sap of the Maple tree for food long before Canada saw ships on her horizon and we must remember they introduced Maple Syrup to the Europeans..

The Maple Leaf has appeared on all Canadian coins in the past but is currently only on the penny.

Several groups have used the Maple Leaf as a symbol in the 1800's, including its use on the badge of the 100th Regiment. The same year (1860) it was used as a decorative theme for the Prince of Wales visit.

Alexander Muir wrote "THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER" in 1867 as a song for Confederation.

It continued to be used as badges on military uniforms throughout the years as a Canadian distinction.

It wasn't until the colour of the maple leaves on the Arms of Canada were changed from green to red, that it began to resemble the symbol of today.

Finally the single red maple leaf appeared on Canada's official National Flag in 1965 replacing the Ensign after much debate and a long lengthy selection process.

Hope that helps ya ! *S* (Michael C...)

tenko cowboy

Believe it or not, the current flag only came into existance in 1965, prior to that it was the Canadian red ensign, which was all red with the union jack in the upper left corner, a bit like the Australian and New Zealand flags. That reflected the British rule over canada and that it is a commonwealth member. Before that the union flag was also flown and even the ST George cross was flown at one point.

veg_rose

Why shouldn't it have a leaf on it, there's no law against it and NO the leaf does not cover the whole country it is only a standard size leaf.

Leon

When the first European settlers came to Canada, they discovered that you can tap maple for syrup and so the maple leaf became a symbol of Canada maybe as early as 1700 but the Canadian flag in it's current form has been around only since 1965.

You can get information about the history of the Canadian flag at http://www.pch.gc.ca/PROGS/CPSC-CCSP/sc-cs/df1_e.cfm

magidge

It's the maple leaf....en emblem of canada

asseenfromoutside

The leaf on the Canadian flag is the maple leaf which I believe represents the national plant of Canada. and yes is does cover the whole country. I'm English, perhaps a Canadian would like to answer to make sure that I've got it right.

Adrian T. "Captain Canuck&q

Its the maple leaf...you get maple syrup from the tree...yes it covors the whole country well it does now. until 1999 it covored all the provinces and territories except Nunavut, before it was the union jack. It was changed to the maple leaf on feb.15 1965

HAPA CHIC

honestly so far tenko cowboy
is the only one who gaved you the correct answer

Chris I

It's an emblem of Canada and I guess a Moose or a beaver or a Hockey player would have just looked silly.

The red stripes at the side represent the Oceans at each side, but they are red to avoid being red, white & blue - the traditional colors of the USA and Great Britain.

1cross+3nails=4given

The Canadian Flag has a maple leaf on it because the maple tree is across all of Canada and we are known for our syrup thus it's a Canadian emblem. It wasn't always that way, we used to have the Union Jack, then it became a red flag with the union jack in the top left corner and now it's the maple leaf.

Hari

It shows the love for nature

Alexandria Blackman

It demonstrates Canada's commitment to the environment.

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