The History of the Canadian Flag

The Canadian national flag is red with a white vertical stripe in the centre (really a square) and a red maple leaf on top. The maple leaf was used because it was many people’s shared emblem of pride, strength, and loyalty. In 1964, Parliament adopted the design of Canada’s national flag, which was initially hoisted on February 15, 1965, following a royal decree from her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Read the full article to understand the Canadian flag before 1965 and learn about the meaning of the Canadian flag colours.

The Canadian Flag Before 1965

Before and after Confederation in 1867, Canada waved the Royal Union flag of the United Kingdom, also known as the Union Jack. Until the early twentieth century, the Union Jack was considered Canada’s “official flag.” As Canada grew as a nation, it became more vital to have uniquely Canadian symbols to represent the country. Tensions occurred following World War II between the public’s desire for a new national flag and devotion to the Union Jack.

According to a study conducted in 1958, most Canadians desired a national flag that was undeniably Canadian rather than one based on the British flag. 

Lester Pearson ran for Prime Minister in 1963 on the promise of establishing a new Canadian flag. However, it was unclear what the flag would be. Most people preferred a Canadian symbol, but there was a heated argument about whether the flag should include a Union Jack (to represent Canada’s history as a British colony) and a fleur-de-lis (to represent Canada’s historical ties to France).

A well-known Canadian historian, George Stanley, weighed in on the discussion in 1964. Stanley wrote to John Matheson, a member of Parliament, on the history of the Canadian flag and his recommendations for the new flag. He urged against choosing either the Union Jack or the fleur-de-lis, preferring something that would bring the country together rather than escalating tensions between French-speaking Quebec and the rest of the country. Stanley offered a red and white design because red and white had been Canada’s official national colours since 1921. Because the maple leaf was already used as a Canadian symbol, he also recommended a maple leaf.

The Canadian Flag Colours Meaning

Many nations, including those that contributed to Canada’s establishment, have used the colours red and white in the past. Many Canadians have learned to associate the Canadian flag colour’s meaning with natural features in certain nation sections, such as the white winter snows and the crimson of autumnal maple leaves. The maple leaf on Canada’s national flag had 13 points in its initial design. 

What Does Canada’s Flag Symbolise?

Since the early nineteenth century, the maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada. Many early Flag versions have motifs like maple leaf wreaths, crowns, and beavers. While the flag’s design was new, it contained a well-known symbol with a lengthy history in Canada. The maple leaf became famous in popular culture in the 19th century as a symbol of Canadian identity, appearing in books, songs, coins, badges, flags, and other products. 

The maple leaf had been a sign of Canadian identity for generations. Still, during the First World War, when it was worn as a cap badge by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, it became the most well-recognised emblem of the country. Many of the headstones of Canadian servicemen and women who gave their lives in the two world wars have a single maple leaf etched. The maple leaf was many people’s shared emblem of pride, strength, and loyalty.

Conclusion

The Canadian national flag is a red flag that is twice as long as wide (proportion 2:1, or 64 units in length and 32 units in width or depth. A single stylised 11-point red maple leaf sits in the centre of a white square of the flag’s width. The flag is symmetrical horizontally with a maple leaf in the centre. This article discussed the Canadian flag colour’s meaning and explored various facts about the Canadian flag before 1965. We also discussed the significance of the maple leaf in the Canadian flag.