National symbols of Canada

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The royal proclamation of the national flag of Canada

Over the course of centuries, a multitude of national symbols and material items have arisen as uniquely Canadian or possessing uniquely Canadian characteristics. These symbols and items represent the culture of Canada—protectionism of that culture, identity, values, nationalism, and the heritage of its inhabitants.[1]

Themes and symbols of nature, pioneers, trappers, and traders played an important part in the early development of Canadian symbolism.[2] Modern symbols emphasize the country's geography, cold climate, lifestyles, and the Canadianization of traditional European and indigenous symbols.[3]

A 2013 Statistics Canada survey found that more than 90% of those polled believed that the national flag and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms were the top symbols of Canadian identity. Next highest were the national anthem ("O Canada"), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and ice hockey.[4] A similar poll by Ipsos-Reid in 2008 indicated that the maple leaf was the primary item that defines Canada, followed by ice hockey, the national flag, the beaver, the Canadarm, Canada Day, and Canadian Forces peacekeeping.[5]

  1. ^ Michael Dawson; Donald A. Wright; Catherine Anne Gidney (2018). Symbols of Canada. Between the Lines. p. 32. ISBN 978-1-77113-371-5.
  2. ^ "Canada in the Making: Pioneers and Immigrants". The History Channel. August 25, 2005. Retrieved November 30, 2006.
  3. ^ Cormier, Jeffrey. (2004). The Canadianization Movement: Emergence, Survival, and Success. doi:10.3138/9781442680616.
  4. ^ "The Daily — Canadian identity, 2013". www.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved January 10, 2015.Canadian Identity, 2013 - By Maire Sinha
  5. ^ Defining Canada: A Nation Chooses The 101 Things That Best Define Their Country "Unprecedented, Definitive National Survey Identifies Top People, Places, Events, Accomplishments and Symbols that Define Canada. As Chosen By Canadian. Ipsos Reid on behalf of the Dominion Institute and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2008. PDF version