National symbols of Canada

The maple leaf is the characteristic leaf of the maple tree, and is an important national symbol of Canada.

National symbols of Canada are the symbols that are used in Canada and abroad to represent the country and its people. Prominently, the use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and is depicted on its current and previous flags, the penny, and on the coat of arms (or royal arms).

The Crown symbolizes the Canadian monarchy, and appears on the coat of arms (used by parliamentarians and government ministries), the flag of the Governor General, the coats of arms of many provinces and territories; the badges of the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), many regiments, and other police forces; on buildings, as well as some highway signs and licence plates. Also, the Queen's image appears in Canadian government buildings, military installations and schools; and on Canadian stamps, $20 bank notes, and all coins.

Canada is known for its vast forests and mountain ranges and the animals that reside within them, such as moose, beaver, caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, Canada goose, and the common loon. The beaver's emblematic status originated from the fact much of Canada's early economic history was tied to the fur trade in beaver fur, used to make hats fashionable in Europe. Other products made from the country's natural resources, such as maple syrup, are also associated with Canadian identity.

Additional national symbols include the RCMP and anything pertaining to ice hockey, Canada's official winter sport, which is often used as a national symbol of unity and pride.

In recent years, other symbols have become a source of pride: notably, the I am Canadian campaign by Molson beer, most notably the commercial featuring Joe Canada, infused home-grown beer with nationalism. (Molson later merged with an American beer company, Coors.) The Canadian fashion retailer Roots sells a variety of merchandise designed to evoke nationalistic sentiment.

ANNOTATIONS

beaver - бобер, loon – гагара, to be featured in – принимать участие в, foliage - листва

Comprehension Check Exercises

I. Fill in the blank with the correct word:

1. Official symbols of Canada include the maple leaf, ….

2. There were, and are, many distinct Aboriginal peoples across Canada, each with its own ….

3. The Royal Union Flag, called ….

4. There are certain days every year that will call for the national flag to be flown at half-mast: ….

5. Ever since the adoption of the Canadian flag in 1965, there have been programs sponsored by the Canadian government to promote ….

6. The Crown symbolizes the Canadian monarchy, and appears on ….

II. Find out whether the statement is true or false according to the information in the text:

1. Many official symbols of the country such as the Flag of Canada have been changed or modified over the past few decades in order to 'Canadianize' them and de-emphasise or remove references to the United Kingdom.

2. The flag has also been featured on several definitive stamp series issued by Canada Post since 1969.

3. National symbols of Canada are the symbols that are used in Canada and abroad to represent the country and its people.

4. In recent years, other symbols have become a source of pride: ….

III. Questions:

1. What official symbols of the country do you know?

2. Where are symbols of the monarchy in Canada continue to be featured in?

3. Describe the National Flag of Canada.

4. What animals reside in Canada?

5. What is Canada's official winter sport?

IV. Do you remember?

What is the "One in a Million National Flag" Challenge?

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20