The National Flag of Canada

Although it is popularly referred to as the maple leaf flag, the official name of Canada's flag is "National Flag of Canada." The flag is twice as wide as it is tall. The maple leaf in the center has eleven points and a stem.

Colors

The official colors of the Canadian flag are red and white. These colors were decided upon in 1921 by King George V. The red, taken from St. George's Cross, is considered to be representative of the British; the white is derived from the French emblem, the fleur-de-lis. The national flag therefore represents the dual historical heritage of Canada.

The Maple Leaf

The maple leaf had been an unofficial symbol of Canada---a nation in which many maples grow---since the 1700s, and was suggested as a symbol of the country as early as 1834. It was incorporated in coats of arms for the provinces of Quebec and Ontario in 1868. The maple leaf was also used in military badges during World War I and World War II. Finally, the maple leaf became the official Canadian symbol when the new national flag was adopted in 1965.

History

Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson promoted the design of a new national flag for Canada in 1963. Pearson's original design featured three maple leaves growing from a single stem, and the initial reception to the new design was hostile. Many people did not want to give up the previous, unofficial flag, the "Red Ensign," which consisted of a red field with the British Union Jack in the upper left quadrant and the Canadian coat of arms on the right. The new National Flag of Canada, with its single maple leaf, was finally voted on and approved on December 15, 1964.

Rumor Has It

Some people claim that the eleven points on the maple leaf signify the number of provinces and territories in Canada, but the government of Canada clearly states on its website that this is not true, and that the flag's leaf is simply intended to look realistic.

Source:

Canadian Heritage

The Canada Page

Flags of the World

Resource:

Fraser.cc

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

World Flags 101