Canadian maple

by Rizki Satya Utami
(Chofu)

The first thing that came into my mind about Canada was it's national flag, which has a leaf symbol. After I did some googling, I figured out that it is a maple leaf. Then, I started to wonder why the maple leaf is used on the Canadian flag and tried to find out more about it.

It turns out that before the coming of the first European settlers, Canada's aboriginal peoples had discovered the food properties of maple sap, which they gathered every spring. According to many historians, the maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700.

During the First World War, the maple leaf was included in the badge of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Since 1921, the Royal Arms of Canada have included three maple leaves as a distinctive Canadian emblem. With the proclamation of Canada's new flag on February 15, 1965, the maple leaf has become the most prominent Canadian symbol.

Another quite interesting fact is that Canada produces 80 percent of the world's maple syrup, of which 91 percent is produced in Quebec, according to Canada Pure Maple. Canadian maple syrup is exported to about 60 countries, and the U.S. is the main importer.

Hopefully someday I can taste original Canadian maple syrup too, and if it's on top of hot pancakes....it must be super delicious! :)