Bear. Typically this creature as a diligent preserver and benevolent creature who protects people by building a dam that holds out invaders and monsters. In the Middle Ages, coats of arms served as a sort of identification card. A symbol of national pride, the tartan was designed to be worn by Canadians from all backgrounds – regardless of their ancestry – especially on national days like Canada Day (July 1) and Tartan Day (April 6). Nonetheless, the beaver has so many admirable traits – hardworking (even in winter when most other animals hibernate or go south), creative (just look at that picture of the dam above), and plain old cute. The Arms of Canada are also used by federal institutions, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada to symbolize their judicial independence from the Government of Canada. The crusaders wore the crosses on their clothes as a distinguishing mark, since they had no uniform to identify them. The Maple Leaf Tartan was declared an official national symbol on March 9, 2011. Source: Library and Archives Canada. Ha!). For enquiries, contact us. Furthermore, the beaver is a symbol of industiousness. When the City of Montréal was incorporated in 1833, it included the beaver’s image in its coat of arms. The Parliament of Canada declared ice hockey as the national winter sport and lacrosse as the national summer sport when it passed the National Sports of Canada Act on May 12, 1994. The motto of the Dominion of Canada is A Mari Usque Ad Mare which is officially translated as “From Sea to Sea” and “D’un océan à l’autre ”. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! “Animal Facts, Beaver,” Canadian Geographic. Accessed from: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/27/nicole-eaton-senator-national-symbol_n_1062637.html, “The beaver – Official Symbols of Canada” Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada. However, the beaver was a part of the Canadian identity long before Parliament passed the National Symbol of Canada Act. The beaver is also an important Canadian historical icon. I’m still baffled by the fact this was meant to be serious. He is creative, stubborn, a very hard worker and understands the importance of cooperation. Maple trees grow in all ten provinces and three territories. Now, I have nothing against polar bears and agree with Eaton’s statements about them being “majestic and splendid,” it’s just that someone else got to them first. The design includes: The Canada Coat of Arms are used on federal government possessions like buildings, official seals, money, passports, proclamations and publications. The Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway Police Station, and Toronto Police Services also display the beaver on their coat of arms. Today, thanks to conservation and silk hats, the beaver – the largest rodent in Canada – is alive and well all over the country. When was the last time you built a 6ft house with your teeth? They already put polar bears on our coins, so they have enough attention. After the early European explorers realized Canada was not the spice-rich Orient, the main profit-making attraction was the beaver population. While the Canadian horse was declared by Parliament to be Canada’s national breed in 1909, it was not until May 2002 that it was recognized as the national horse of Canada by Act of Parliament. Fraser Herald of Arms is the title of one of the officers of arms at the Canadian Heraldic Authority in Ottawa. I wholeheartedly agree! If you guessed Canada’s national symbol, the beaver, you are correct. But the fur trade was definitely a significant factor in the selection of the beaver as an official emblem of Canada. Accessed from: “The beaver – Official Symbols of Canada” Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada. There was talk at one time of making the polar bear Canada’s national animal. Accessed from: Why is the Beaver Canada’s National Symbol? Everything changed the moment when early French explorers realized, “Well, they don’t have any gold, but damn! There’s some controversy over the results because the Grey Jay came in third and the Common Loon actually won. I hope they never pick a new national animal. Accessed from: http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/beaver.asp, Blackhouse, Frances, “Rethinking the Beaver,” Canadian Geographic. It became an official symbol in 1975 but was used as early as 1678 on the Hudson Bay Company's coat of arms. Let’s all support the beaver – true symbol of perseverance. The bear symbolizes family and strength. Despite this recognition, the beaver was close to extinction by the mid-19th century. While none of the territories has a motto, many municipalities have their own. Not too sure why they even had a public poll if they were just going to ignore the results lol. For a long time, France used a red cross on its banners, while England carried a white cross. Although the maple leaf is closely associated with Canada, the maple tree was not officially recognized as Canada's arboreal emblem until 1996. “Animal Facts, Beaver,” Canadian Geographic. This funny-looking animal owes its popularity largely to its odd appearance: long skinny legs with a humongous body and a cartoon-like head. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I say stick with the beavers. Accessed from: http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/dec12/beaver.asp. The English translation of the Latin text is “They desire a better country”, which is taken from the Epistle to the Hebrews (New Testament) 11:16. A major change in symbols took place in 1921, when Canada was granted a distinctive new coat of arms; it quartered the symbols of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France with three green maple leaves on a silver background. The beaver meaning also speaks about productivity and achievement. (Me? Like the maple leaf, the beaver is a symbol of Canada s unity. The heraldic practice of attaching an inscription – or appropriate sentiment – to a coat of arms or a crest has been honoured by the Dominion of Canada and eight of the 10 provinces. Oil secreted by two glands near the anus is applied by the beaver to waterproof its fur. Have you ever seen a mother Canada Goose with her goslings following her in a straight line? The beaver has a great understanding of nature and works in harmony with his surroundings. Meaning: The Beaver is a symbol for persistence and determination. The Union Jack continued to fly on land. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I don’t understand the modern trend to change so many things that are tradition. Write a short post? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/gray-jay-gets-nod-for-canadas-national-bird/article32882103/. I don’t blame him for swearing! (A very long time indeed! In 1834 the St. Jean-Baptiste Society, a French-Canadian patriotic group, adopted the maple leaf as their group symbol. Did you see we might have a new national bird? Motto. This was especially true on the battlefield where coat of arms made it possible to distinguish allies from enemies. Those involved, be it explorers, voyageurs, or coureur des bois, pushed further and further into the North American interior to expand the trade—as well as France’s (and eventually Britain’s) claim over the land. In 1836 the newspaper "Le Canadien" named the maple leaf the official symbol of Canada, and by 1860 members of the Regiment of Royal Canadians were sporting the … The North American beaver (castor canadensis) is the national animal of Canada, but it is not uniquely Canadian. After the early Europeans explorers had realized that Canada was not the spice-rich Orient, … The fur trade was instrumental in the development of the country that would become Canada. The Beaver (Who) The Maple Leaf (When) King Henry the fourth of France wanted the fur trade because Today, they are used to preserve traditions and inspire love of country. (Modified 2016). It was given official status as an emblem of Canada when "An Act to provide for the recognition of the beaver as a symbol of the sovereignty of … Native American Beaver Symbolic Meanings Beavers play a role in Native American symbolism, particularly in stories from various tribes. From taking centre stage on our national flag to being a key element of design in the Canada Coat of Arms, the maple leaf is a distinctively Canadian emblem. With its distinctive maple leaf, Canada’s red and white flag is easily recognized … The thickset body of the beaver is covered with dark, reddish brown fur consisting of coarse guard hairs over dense, insulating under-fur. At least one of the 10 species grows naturally in every province. . It is always busy building dams and tending to them. The front legs are longer than the back legs. The Book of Symbols. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer born in Verchères, Canada EastFootnote 4. However, every now and then the debate over whether or not Canada needs a new animal gets renewed. New York: Simon & Schuster, (1973). Warriors who served under Richard I or ‘Richard the Lionheart’ were nicknamed lions). Beavers live in all ten provinces and three territories. Red and white became Canada’s official colours as a result of the proclamation of the Canada Coat of Arms by King George V in 1921. Historians believe the maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol … I wish there was footage of the day in the senate because I don’t know how she made it through that speech without cracking up! Those rodents would make good looking hats.” Beginning in the 16th century, the fur trade was the backbone of the colonial economy and a major international industry for roughly 300 years. It has a shoulder hump, big ears, a large overhanging upper lip and a short tail. Their tails also help with balancing on land when carrying heavy branches. Canada’s arboreal emblem is the generic maple species. The largest rodent in North America, an adult beaver can weigh up to 32 kilograms and measure up to 1.3 metres long — including its tail. The leaf has 11 points, and the flag’s proportions are two by length and one by width. This company was instrumental in expanding trade to the north and west of Canada. The anniversary of our flag’s adoption is observed across the country on February 15, which is known as National Flag of Canada Day. Over the past century, the following symbols have been formally adopted by the Government of Canada and are now considered official symbols of our country. The Beaver and the astrological sign of Taurus match pretty perfectly. In other words, the gray jay essentially looks like any other bird, whereas you can’t mistake a Canada Goose. A fur trader in Fort Chipewyan, Northwest Territories (c. 1890s). Although the beavers we are used to are called the North American beaver, their scientific name is Castor Canadensis. The red-white-red pattern is based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada and the ribbon of the Canada General Service Medal of 1899, a British decoration given to those who defended Canada in 19th-century battles. On February 15, 1965, the National Flag of Canada was raised for the first time over Parliament Hill. At that time, the King of France sent horses from the royal stables to New France – the Norman and Breton horses were of mixed origin and included Arabian, Barb and Andalusian horses. The national flag. Both English and French fur traders were soon selling beaver pelts in Europe at 20 times their original purchase price. The present design of the Arms of Canada was drawn by Mrs. Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald of ArmsFootnote 2 at the Canadian Heraldic Authority Footnote 3, office of the Governor General of Canada. Perhaps it may seem ironic that a country renowned for being so peaceful is so deeply connected with a sport where fighting is not only accepted but even commended. As the Centennial of Confederation approached, Parliament increased its efforts to choose a new flag. Tag: Beaver symbol of Canada Waterside Mammals: Mink, Platypus, Beaver. Also whenever people make fun of the Canadian beaver, I always think the same thing…. Let us look at three of them: Mink, Platypus and Beaver. However, the history of the official colours dates back to the First Crusade in the 11th century. In Haida legend it is the Beaver who was responsible for giving the salmon that the Raven stole to the people. The origins of the Canadian horse date back to 1665. (Modified 2016). The Canada Coat of Arms, or Arms of Canada, were originally adopted by proclamation of His Majesty King George V in 1921. Canada’s largest rodent isn’t just “that animal on the nickel.” No, our national animal is also a tiny, furry engineer. The work ethic of the beaver is an ongoing symbol that inspired hard working Canadians in the past and if we all think about the animal as an inspiration, the beaver should help inspire us today and in the future. I completely agree and hope we never change our national animal. The lowly beaver is an official symbol of the sovereignty of Canada, having received royal assent in 1975. The Lion has been England’s national animal since the 12th century. These symbols are intended to bring about a sense of national community, which can inspire feelings of unity and patriotism. Threatened with extinction in the late 19th century, efforts were made in the late 1800s and throughout the 20th century to preserve the distinctive Canadian horse. The beaver was given official status as an emblem of Canada when “An Act to provide for the recognition of the Beaver (Castor canadensis) as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada” received royal assent on March 24, 1975. Garai, Jana. Canada’s motto, A Mari usque ad Mare in Latin; D’un ocean a l’autre in French; or “From sea … Beaver. The adoption of the national flag in 1965 was the result of many years of discussion, thousands of designs and a heated debate in Parliament. We had beavers building their dams on our farm … very dramatic flooding ensued. The phrase comes from the Latin translation of Psalm 72:8 in the Bible. Explorers found Canada and discovered lots of beavers In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the fashion was fur hats As these hats became more popular, the demand for the pelts grew. With its distinctive maple leaf, Canada’s red and white flag is easily recognized around the globe. Our silverNative American jewelry collectionsare well priced and authentic. I did! From 1678 the Hudson’s Bay Company (chartered 1670) possessed an armorial seal charged with four beavers and separated into compartments formed by a St George's cross. Like Liked by 1 person They are also reproduced on the rank badges of some members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The beaver spirit animal symbolizes ingenuity and persistence when it comes to work. Created in 1964 by David Weiser, the Maple Leaf Tartan was designed in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Canada’s confederation in 1967. By the time the fur trade industry collapsed in the middle of the 19th century, the beaver was close to becoming extinct. Beaver. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the fashion of the day demanded fur hats, which needed beaver pelts. Maples contribute valuable wood products and sustain the maple sugar industry; they are ideal for promoting Canada as a world leader in the sustainable management of forests. Beavers are bad ass. In the course of history, red and white alternated as the national colours of France and England. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Accessed from: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1444070816842. Beavers are symbolic for having foresight and vision to scout locations, plan and then carry out the vision of engineering and building their dam and lodge. The beaver is a symbol of Canada, representing the role of beaver trapping and the Hudson's Bay Company in Alberta's history. In 1946, a parliamentary committee examined more than 2,600 submissions – but members could not agree on a new design. Animals have long been utilized as cultural symbols by people to represent countries and their citizens. Due to nationalistic undertones, generally the animals chosen are often majestic, sometimes even mythical, which is why our buck-toothed, semi-aquatic rodent raises questions every now and then. I’m the author! Beaver. It is the world’s 2nd largest rodent, but the beaver population in North America has declined steadily due to extensive hunting (it is mainly hunted for its fur and glands). Let’s all support the beaver – true symbol of perseverance. “Nicole Eaton, Canadian Senator, New National Symbol Should Be A Polar Bear,” The Canadian Press, Huffington Post Canada, Oct 27, 2011. The use of the beaver as a symbol stems back to the main players of the fur trade, the Hudson’s Bay Company, who put the animal on their coat of arms in 1621. Flags with those shields were often decorated as well with the imperial crown, a wreath of maple leaves, and/or a beaver. Why is the Beaver Canada's National Symbol? Very well said! As these hats became more popular, the demand for the pelts grew. Yes, the gray jay is cute, but there is something uniquely Canadian about the Canada Goose. Thanks for commenting. The other thing about the Canada Goose is their behaviour. Various farming groups agreed with her sentiments given that sometimes beaver dams can result in the flooding of farmlands. In later crusades, each nation was identified by a cross of a different colour. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir, a poet born in Hamilton, Ontario. The Hudson’s Bay Company put four beavers on the shield of its coat of arms in 1678 to show how important the hard-working rodent was to the company. It is hockey that brings millions of Canadians to their TVs set in winter, and hockey that … Many English versions have appeared over the years. Lower Canada was a British colony on the lower Saint Lawrence River and the shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (1791-1841). It covered the southern portion of the modern-day Province of Quebec and the Labrador region of the modern-day Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He teaches us to unify individual talents to reach great goals, he also symbolizes hard work and he will not quit until the job is done. A fur trader in Fort Chipewyan, Northwest Territories (c. 1890s). Now I will concede that the polar bear is a more majestic animal than the beaver. Given the history of companies and governments using the image of the beaver for representative and monetary purposes, as well as the fact that the beaver actually lives in every province, it is not hard to see why the beaver was given royal assent on March 24, 1975—thereby making them Canada’s official national animal. Canada also has its own official breed of horse, the Canadian Horse. There must have been a lot of damage. A “dentally defective rat”… wow, that must have been some transcript in the Senate that day! Read the full history of “O Canada” and learn about the lives of the people behind the anthem. Grey Jays are cute but I was Team Goose. Learn more about the National Flag of Canada, including its history and dimensions, flag etiquette and rules for half-masting. The Beaver has incredible foresight and is indeed a true visionary. One of the more popular collections is theBeaver Spirit Silver Jewelry Collection pictured above. The work ethic of the beaver is an ongoing symbol that inspired hard working Canadians in the past and if we all think about the animal as an inspiration, the beaver should help inspire us today and in the future. Although the beavers we are used to are called the North American beaver, their scientific name is. However, the Canadian public overwhelmingly rejected her proposal. Their front teeth stick out in front of their lips so that they can cut and chew wood underwater without getting water in their mouth. The beaver’s tail functions like a boat rudder as it helps them steer as they move logs to their dam. In 1994, a circular, red ribbon was added to the arms – displaying the motto of the Order of Canada: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam. Overtime, the image of the beaver was used in other coat of arms (ex: Montreal), by other companies (ex: Canadian Pacific Railway Company), and it appeared on the first Canadian postage stamp, the “Three Penny Beaver” of 1851. Besides, everybody associates Canada with the beaver when they think of us at all. Okay, not really. Bohemond I, a Norman lord, had red crosses cut from cloaks and distributed to 10,000 crusaders. On a spiritual level, this dam could redirect negativity too. Of the 150 known species of maple (genus Acer), only 13 are native to North America. So why exactly did Canada pick the beaver as its national symbol? Ten of these grow in Canada: the sugar, black, silver, bigleaf, red, mountain, striped, Douglas, vine and Manitoba maples. He is very flexible working towards goals and gaining a sense of achievement. A beaver’s teeth never stop growing and chewing on trees helps to keep the teeth from getting too long. It’s so cute, like a military march – and I’m sure Mama Goose keeps her babies in line! As of its April issue, the name of Canada’s second oldest magazine has been scrubbed from the masthead, replaced with Canada’s History. Sir Sandford Fleming featured the beaver on the first Canadian postage stamp – the Three Penny Beaver – in 1851. Turns out Eaton’s personal hatred of beavers is due to the fact that despite being evicted many times Georgian Bay beavers still think that the main dock near her cottage is a swell place to live. The Beaver is another national symbol of Canada, and it is the symbol of many organizations and units within the Canadian Military Forces. Canada has two national animals – the beaver and the Canadian Horse.The beaver is a large, nocturnal, semi-aquatic rodent known for building lodges, canals, and dams. Over the next century, the horse population of New France developed in isolation from other breeds, gradually becoming a breed of its own – the Canadian horse. Hockey. Furthermore, the beaver is a symbol of industiousness. symbols of the four founding nations of Canada featured on the shield: the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the royal fleur-de-lis of France, and the royal Irish harp of Tara; the lion of England holding the Royal Union Flag and the unicorn of Scotland carrying the flag of Royal France; the floral emblems of the four founding nations: the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the French fleur-de-lis, and the Irish shamrock; the Royal Crown at the top, indicating that these are the Arms of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, commonly called the “Canada Coat of Arms”, the “Coat of Arms of Canada”, the “Arms of Canada” or the “Royal Coat of Arms of Canada”. The large mass-to-surface ratio and the dense, insulating fur adapt it for a semi-aquatic existence in water that is often ice cold. Sorry, I can’t reply directly to your last message (on the gray jays). It became the Province of Quebec after confederation, in 1867. The Canadian Pacific Railway company still includes the beaver on its crest today. In 1633, when Alexander became Earl of Stirling and Viscount Canada, his new arms featured a beaver to symbolize his fiefdom in the New World. There were an estimated six million beavers in Canada before the start of the fur trade. Men's Fashion During and After the French Revolution (1790-1810), The Rise and Fall of Prohibition in Canada (Part Two), Military Uniforms During the Seven Years War, The Rise and Fall of Prohibition in Canada (Part One). Most recently in 2011, Conservative Senator Nicole Eaton proposed that the polar bear should become Canada’s new national animal because the beaver is a  “19th century has-been,” a “dentally defective rat,” and “toothy tyrant” that wreaks havoc on the environment. Symbol Image Adopted Remarks Coat of arms: Coat of Arms of Quebec: December 9, 1939 Originally Granted by a Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria on May 26, 1868; the coat of arms was revised by the Quebec government in 1939 The beaver was made an official emblem of Canada in 1975 in recognition of the importance of the fur trade. Accessed from: Blackhouse, Frances, “Rethinking the Beaver,” Canadian Geographic. "The Beaver is a monumental symbol of never ever giving up. The search for a new Canadian flag began in 1925, when a committee of the Privy Council began to look into potential designs. So let’s keep the beaver as our guy! Perhaps the most prominent symbol of Canada is the maple leaf. The beaver is also an important Canadian historical icon. You will not receive a reply. Canada East was what became of the former colony of Lower Canada after being united into the Province of Canada. D: Our national animal has been the beaver and should stay that way! After swimming under water for six or seven minutes the beaver is not wet to the ski… Fresh Water habitats (water without salt) welcomes many mammals to build their homes, raise their young and hunt for food. The traditional mantle is white and red, Canada's official colours. Yes, this was an actual discussion in the Canadian Senate. What do you think should be Canada’s national animal? Sir William Alexander, who was granted title to Nova Scotia in 1621, was the first to include the beaver in a coat of arms. Browse our silver jewelry collections made by Coast Salish ArtistRichard Krentz. Accessed from: “Nicole Eaton, Canadian Senator, New National Symbol Should Be A Polar Bear,” The Canadian Press, Huffington Post Canada, Oct 27, 2011. Without the beaver, Canada as we know it, would not exist. When the beaver totem appears to you, you are being encouraged to be diligent until the task is completed. Symbolism of the Beaver: A total workaholic. Early Canadian History (11th-16th Century), the fact that the beaver actually lives in every province, http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/beaver.asp, http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/magazine/dec12/beaver.asp, http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/27/nicole-eaton-senator-national-symbol_n_1062637.html, http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1444070816842, Women's Fashion During the Regency Era (1810s to 1830s), Men's Fashion During the Regency Era (1810s to 1830s), Women's Fashion During and After the French Revolution (1790 to 1810). Earrings, bracelets, rings and pendants. The national animal of Canada is actually the beaver. The Beaver is no longer, killed off on its 90th birthday. What do they look like? Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions or rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. “O Canada” was proclaimed Canada’s national anthem on July 1, 1980, one century after it was first sung in the City of Québec on June 24, 1880. The Canadian horse is known for its great strength and endurance, resilience, intelligence and good temper. Trees have played a meaningful role in the historical development of Canada and continue to be of commercial, environmental and aesthetic importance. The Maple Leaf Tartan is used by The Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums, and has also been worn by the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions. Luckily, about that time, Europeans took a liking to silk hats and the demand for beaver pelts all but disappeared. The only reason the beaver is still around today is because of an extensive conservation effort over the course of the 20th century. It faithfully depicts the arms described in the Royal Proclamation of November 21, 1921. Inspired by the colours of the maple leaf through the changing seasons, the tartan’s pattern incorporates the green of summer leaves, the gold of early autumn, the red of the first frost and finally, the brown tones of the fallen leaves before winter. King Henry IV of France saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire much-needed revenue and to establish a North American empire. Dad swore. A symbol of Canada, a national sport, and even a way of life - ice hockey. French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier, a poet and judge born in Saint-Placide, Lower Canada. The beaver symbolizes good work ethics, a strong will and protector, with a strong sense of family and creativity. Canadian Moose live in forests and marshy areas in all parts of Canada and … During its peak, 100,000 pelts were being shipped to Europe each year; the Canadian beaver was in danger of being wiped out. And of course the antlers; bulls grow a massive, only to discard them between November and March. After all, its scientific name is Branta canadensis. I need to know the author, please, The text under the photos were too funny! I always thought that our national bird was the Canada Goose. At the heart of the fur trade was the beaver, whose pelts were used to make everything from wool felt hats to robes to winter coats. A coin was created – which was known as a “buck” – that was equal to the value of one male beaver pelt. The trade of beaver pelts proved so profitable that many Canadians felt compelled to pay tribute to the buck-toothed animal. It is always busy building dams and tending to them.