Maple tree leaves on parade.
The maple leaf became Canada’s national symbol in the 19th century, chosen by groups like the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 1834, and appearing on Canadian military badges, coins, and the country’s Coat of Arms (granted in 1921, with the leaves officially changed to red in 1957).
The design for the modern flag, featuring a single, stylized red maple leaf on a white square flanked by red bars, was proposed by historian George F.G. Stanley and officially adopted on February 15, 1965, following the Great Flag Debate.
The red and white colors are Canada’s official national colors.
