The real reason there's a single red maple leaf on the Canadian flag

February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day, and we all probably own something with a print of the iconic red maple leaf seen on the Canadian flag.

But have you ever wondered why the True North has a single maple leaf on its flag, front and centre? Don’t worry — it looks like most people don’t.

We asked our Daily Hive team members if they knew the reason. A few said it was probably because of our maple trees. One colleague – who shall remain unnamed – said, and we quote, “Dude, I thought it was because we go hard for nature.”

Unfortunately, none of those answers are true (though, yes, we do go hard for nature in general). The actual reason is a little darker than you might think.

According to the Canadian government’s records, the maple leaf began gaining a reputation as “a symbol of Canadian identity” in the 19th century. It was popular before being incorporated into the flag and was seen on coins, books, badges, banners, and other items.

But during the First World War — from 1914 to 1918 — the maple leaf started to grace the caps worn by those in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. That’s when it became a mainstream symbol of Canada and its people’s pride, courage, and loyalty.

“Most poignantly, it is a single maple leaf that is carved upon many of the headstones of Canadian service men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars,” reads Canada’s official heritage page.

Maple leaves appeared on trial designs for years before we finalized the flag we have today.

In 1964, a parliamentary committee was set up and dedicated to picking a flag. They went through thousands of design entries and shortlisted the following flags.

The last design was sweet and simple, with a single red maple leaf in the middle. Created by Calgary-born historian George Stanley, it won the committee’s hearts and votes.

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Stanley was sent a letter of congratulations for making history.

“Dear George, your proposed flag has now been approved by The Commons 163 to 78,” read MP John Matheson’s letter. “I believe it is an excellent flag that will serve Canada well.”

The National Film Board of Canada recorded the moment the flag debuted on February 15, 1965, at Parliament Hill in an official inauguration ceremony.

National Flag of Canada Day was declared on the same day.

So, while maple syrup is delicious, and we love how the leaves turn red in the fall, it was Canadian soldiers and their sacrifices in the two world wars that inspired the flag design.

If it wasn’t for the carvings on the martyrs’ headstones, who knows what our flag would’ve looked like?

This article was originally published on July 14, 2022.