The maple leaf, the emblem of Canada

The maple leaf immediately calls Canada when seen. How did it become such a strong symbol of the country, and what place does it occupy there today? We give you more explanation in this article.

This is the leaf of the maple, a tree that can measure between 10 and 45 meters in height. There are more than a hundred species of maple throughout the world, ten of which are endemic to Canada.

It is one of the symbols of the country, in the same way as:

• The maple of the Acer species,
• the Canadian horse (since 2002),
• beaver canadensis,
• the canadian national anthem,
• the Canadian national flag and
• ice Hockey.

The emblematic leaf of Canada is that of the generic species of maple (Acer). Its leaf is usually deciduous in opposite pairs. Its lobes are webbed and ribbed. The leaves of the tree change color in the fall and provide a striking sight. From green, they change to golden yellow or various shades of brown, purple, blue or scarlet.

The leaves indeed contain various pigments, such as chlorophyll, anthocyanins or carotenoids. During the hot season, chlorophyll is present in greater quantity than the others. This is the reason why the leaves are green in summer.

With the arrival of the cold season and the first frosts, autumn coloring begins. Weather conditions prevent the production of chlorophyll, and the other pigments contained in the leaves then become apparent.

The hue of the sheet depends essentially on the acidity of the medium where the pigments are. It will pull towards red if it is acidic and blue if the medium is alkaline. In a neutral environment, it is purple that will express itself.

To understand the importance of this leaf for this country, it is necessary to know that maple was a capital resource of Canada, and this well before the arrival of the colonists. Indeed, the primary peoples already regularly consumed its sap. They had already understood all that he had to offer them and treated him with great respect. They extracted several products from its sap, such as syrup Where maple sugar.

The maple leaf emblem remained with the arrival of the settlers. The Jean-Baptiste Society, which celebrated Canada's French language and culture, officially adopted the maple leaf as its emblem in 1834. The newspaper Le Canadien also incorporated it into its front page a few years later. Its publisher points out that the maple leaf has been accepted as a symbol of northern Canada.

It is found on the coats of arms of Ontario and Quebec in the 19th century, and also on the flag of the Governor General. Around the middle of the same century, the annual literary journal The Maple-Leaf celebrated this iconic leaf as the country's emblem of choice and proudly displayed a golden maple leaf on its cover. During the same period, the maple leaf gradually appeared on the country's coins. The 1 cent coin in particular will not change in its design until it is taken out of circulation in 2012.

During the 1908 London Olympics, the maple leaf was an integral part of all Canadian Olympian uniforms. It is also found on the design of the clothing of Montreal hockey players from 1910 to 1913. And during the First World War, this symbol is again integrated into the uniform of Canadian soldiers. In the 1920s, it was found in the Royal Arms of Canada through a branch of 3 green leaves on the shield and a red maple leaf on the crest.

Then, during the Second World War, Canadian military units displayed a maple leaf on their equipment and on their badge. It was also during this period that the Maple Leaf newspaper was published for deployed troops.

In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II wore the “Maple Leaf of Canada” dress at the State Banquet held at Rideau Hall. This iconic dress is adorned with a garland of white roses and maple leaves. A few years later, the Queen would approve the use of a personal flag when traveling in Canada. The latter is decorated with a branch 3 maple leaves on its base.

In February 1965, when the Canadian flag was officially adopted, it proudly featured a blood-red maple leaf in its center. A few years ago, when submitting a design proposal for this national flag, several thousand already included this sheet in their design. The Order of Canada - the highest honor for a civilian - is established to celebrate the centennial of Canadian Confederation. Its badge features a maple leaf like the one found in the country's national flag. Note, however, that the version found on the flag is simplified.

This country is today the world leader in the production and export of maple syrup. No wonder then that this easily recognizable leaf is directly associated with it in the popular imagination! For many, it's the land of poutine, harsh winters, ice hockey and Maple syrup !

Are you looking for products in the shape of the maple leaf? We offer several on our site!

Find, for example, maple syrup in a bottle in the shape of a maple leaf at the brand La petite baie à sucre de Québec. It is available in an amber version in 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml and 500 ml. Very decorative, it will bring a bit of Canada back to your sideboard or that of your loved ones if you offer it!

The brand also offers cookies in the shape and filled with maple cream, in a single package or in a pack of 5. For simple cookies - without cream - in the shape of a maple leaf, turn to the products of the Maple Treasures brand.