National symbols of Canada
National symbols of Canada refers to symbols that are used in Canada. The use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and is depicted on its current and previous flags, the penny, and on the coat of arms.
The Crown symbolises the Canadian monarchy, and appears on the Royal Arms of Canada (used by parliamentarians and government ministries), the Flag of the Governor General of Canada, the coat of arms of many provinces and territories; the badges of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), many regiments, and other police forces; on buildings, as well as some highway signs and licence plates. Also, the Queen's image appears in Canadian government buildings, military installations and schools; and on Canadian stamps, $20 bank notes, and all coins.
Canada is known for its vast forests and mountain ranges and the animals that reside within them, such as moose, beaver, caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, Canada goose, and the common loon. The beaver's emblematic status originated from the fact much of Canada's early economic history was tied to the fur trade in beaver fur, used to make hats fashionable in Europe. Other products made from the country's natural resources, such as maple syrup, are also associated with Canadian identity.
Additional national symbols include the RCMP and anything pertaining to ice hockey, Canada's official winter sport, which is often used as a national symbol of unity and pride.
In recent years, other symbols have become a source of pride: notably, the I am Canadian campaign by Molson beer, most notably the commercial featuring Joe Canada, infused home-grown beer with nationalism. (Molson later merged into an American beer company, Coors.) The Canadian fashion retailer Roots sells a variety of merchandise designed to evoke nationalistic sentiment.
References
- Canadian Heritage (2002). Symbols of Canada. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Government Publishing. ISBN 0660186152. Similar publication online here.
- Ross, David & Hook, Richard (1988). The Royal Canadian Mounted Police 1873-1987. London: Osprey. ISBN 085045834X.
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