SYMBOLS OF CANADA:
Symbols are used to represent the country and it's people abroad and at home.
THE NATIONAL CANADIAN FLAG:
The Canadian Flag is a symbol of Canada,it is red and white with a maple leaf in the centre on a white background with red stripes on either sides.The flag first flew on Febuary 15,1965.Red and White are the officical colours of Canada.
Maple Leaf:
The maple leaf and the maple tree are symbols of Canada.The maple leaf was used as a symbol as early as the 1700s.In 1867 a confederation song was written by Alexander Muir called "The Maple Leaf Forever".The maple leaf was also included on the coat of arms created for both Ontario and Quebec.The maple leaf is also on the flag and the penny .It is recognised as a symbol of Canada world wide.In 1986 the maple tree was recognised as a national emblem.
Coat Of Arms:
Canada's coat of arms was officially proclaimed on November 21,1921.The present coat of arms was approved in 1994.On the coat of arms the early settlers are represented by the three lions of England,the royal lion of Scotland,the harp of Ireland,the fleur-de-lis of France.The lion of England holds the British flag the unicorn of Scotland hold the Royal flag of France.The bottom has the fleur -de-lis (France),the shamrock (Ireland),the thistle (Scotland) and the rose (England).
Motto - is "from sea to sea".
Motto - is "from sea to sea".
National Animal:
The beaver is another symbol of Canada ,it represents the fur trade of early days.Beaver pelts were needed for fur hats.The beaver was featured on the caot of arms for the Hudson's Bay Company,Nova Scotia,Quebec City and the city of Montreal.It was also on the first postage stamp in 1851.It became an official emblem of Canada in 1975.It is also on the coat of arms of Saskatchewan ,Alberta and Manitoba.It can also be found on the nickel.
The Great Seal Of Canada:
The great seal is important as it is used on all state documents.It bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II in her robes holding the orb and the sceptre and shows her sitting on the coronation chair . The seal was made by the Royal Canadian Mint.The inscriptions on it are French and nglish. It is kept in the Office of the Registrar General of Canada.
Tartans:
Each province and territory has as a tartan to represent itself.
The Canadian Horse:
The horse was adopted as the symbol of Canada on April 30,2002.
National Summer Sport:
Lacrosse is the national summer sport of Canada.It was declared the national sport in 1994.
NATIONAL WINTER SPORT:
Ice hockey is the national winter sport of Canada.