The national coat of arms of Canada is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It is a complex design that incorporates various elements that represent Canada’s history, culture, and values. The coat of arms is used by the Canadian government, as well as by Canadian embassies and consulates around the world.
The coat of arms is composed of a shield, a crest, and supporters. The shield is divided into four quarters, each of which contains a symbol that represents a different part of Canada. The first quarter features three golden lions on a red background, which is the coat of arms of England. The second quarter features a red lion on a gold background, which is the coat of arms of Scotland. The third quarter features a golden harp on a blue background, which is the coat of arms of Ireland. The fourth quarter features three green maple leaves on a white background, which is a symbol of Canada.
Above the shield is a crest, which is a stylized representation of a royal crown. The crest is made up of a gold maple leaf, which is a symbol of Canada, and a red lion, which is a symbol of England. The supporters of the coat of arms are two mythical creatures called the “unicorn” and the “lion.” The unicorn represents Scotland, while the lion represents England.
The colors used in the coat of arms are significant. Red and white are the official colors of Canada, and they are used in the shield and the supporters. Gold is used to represent the importance of the monarchy in Canada, while blue is used to represent the country’s connection to the sea.
The history of the coat of arms dates back to 1868, when the first version was created for the Dominion of Canada. The original design featured a shield with the arms of the four founding provinces of Canada: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Over the years, the design was modified several times to reflect changes in Canada’s political and cultural landscape.
The current version of the coat of arms was adopted in 1921, and it has remained largely unchanged since then. The design was created by a committee of Canadian artists and heraldic experts, who sought to create a coat of arms that would reflect Canada’s unique identity and history.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of Canada’s national identity. It is used on official documents, government buildings, and military uniforms. It is also used on Canadian currency, including coins and banknotes.
In addition to the national coat of arms, Canada also has provincial and territorial coats of arms. These designs incorporate symbols that are specific to each province or territory, and they are used to represent the unique identity and history of each region.
Overall, the national coat of arms of Canada is a complex and meaningful design that reflects the country’s history, culture, and values. It is a symbol of Canada’s sovereignty and identity, and it is an important part of the country’s national heritage.