Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
The maple leaf, the emblem of Canada
The maple leaf immediately calls to mind Canada when you see it. How did it become such a strong symbol of the country, and what place does it occupy there today? We give you more explanations in this article.
The Maple Leaf: What You Need to Know
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, of which about ten are endemic to Canada.
It is one of the symbols of the country, along with:
- The maple of the species Acer,
- the Canadian horse (since 2002),
- the canadian beaver,
- the canadian national anthem,
- LThe Canadian national flag And
- ice hockey.
Canada's emblematic leaf is that of the generic species of maple (Acer). Its leaf is generally deciduous in opposite pairs. Its lobes are palmate and ribbed. The leaves of the tree change color in the fall and offer a striking landscape. From green, they turn to golden yellow or various shades of brown, purple, blue or scarlet.
Leaves contain various pigments, such as chlorophyll, anthocyanins or carotenoids. During the warm season, chlorophyll is present in greater quantities 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, the autumn coloring begins. The weather conditions prevent the production of chlorophyll, and the other pigments contained in the leaves then become apparent.
The shade of the leaf depends essentially on the acidity of the environment where the pigments are found. It will turn red if it is acidic and blue if the environment is alkaline. In a neutral environment, it is purple that will be expressed.
The Maple Leaf in Canadian History
To understand the importance of this leaf for this country, you have to know that the maple was a key resource for Canada, well before the arrival of the settlers. In fact, the primary peoples already regularly consumed its sap. They had already understood all that it could offer them and treated it with great respect. They obtained several products from its sap, such as syrup Or maple sugar.
The maple leaf emblem remained with the arrival of 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 included it in its front page a few years later. Its editor pointed out that the maple leaf had been accepted as a symbol of Northern Canada.
It appeared on the coats of arms of Ontario and Quebec in the 19th century, as well as on the Governor General's flag. Around the middle of the same century, the annual literary magazine The Maple-Leaf celebrated this iconic leaf as the country's emblem of choice and proudly displayed a gold 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 would not change its design again until it was taken out of circulation in 2012.
During the 1908 London Olympics, the maple leaf was an integral part of all Canadian Olympians' uniforms. It was also found on the clothing design of Montreal hockey players from 1910 to 1913. And during the First World War, this symbol was once again integrated into the uniforms 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 featured a maple leaf on their equipment and badges. 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 to the State Banquet at Rideau Hall. This iconic dress was adorned with a garland of white roses and maple leaves. A few years later, the Queen approved the use of a personal flag when travelling in Canada. The latter was adorned with a branch of 3 maple leaves at its base.
In February 1965, when the flag of Canada was officially adopted, it proudly featured a blood-red maple leaf in its centre. A few years earlier, when design proposals for this national flag were submitted, several thousand had already included this leaf in their design. The Order of Canada - the highest honour for a civilian - was established to celebrate the centennial of Canadian Confederation. Its insignia features a maple leaf like the one found in the country's national flag. It should be noted, 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. It is not surprising then that this easily recognizable leaf is directly associated with it in the popular imagination! For many, it is the land of poutine, harsh winters, ice hockey and maple syrup !
Our products around the maple leaf
Are you looking for products in the shape of a maple leaf? We offer several on our site!
For example, you can find maple syrup in a maple leaf-shaped bottle from the brand La petite cabane à sucre de Québec. It is available in amber versions in 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml and 500 ml. Very decorative, it will bring a little bit of Canada to your chest or that of your loved ones if you offer it!
The brand also offers cookies in the shape and filled with maple cream, in single packs or packs of 5. For simple cookies – without cream – in the shape of a maple leaf, turn to the products of the brand Les Trésors d'érable.
Related products
Amber maple syrup - 50ml - Leaf bottle
Quebec golden maple syrup - Can of 540 ml
Amber maple syrup 250 ml metal tin
Flag of Canada 90x150 cm in polyester
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