Coat of arms of Canada

Coat of arms of Canada
Versions
150px
Adopted	1921
Shield	Quarterly, 1st Gules three lions passant guardant in pale Or (for England); 2nd Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory Gules (for Scotland); 3rd Azure a harp Or stringed Argent (for Ireland); 4th Azure three fleurs-de-lis Or (for France); overall an escutcheon Argent with a maple leaf Gules.
Supporters	Dexter a lion Or holding a lance Argent flying to the dexter the Union Flag, sinister a unicorn Argent armed, crined and unguled Or, gorged with a coronet composed of crosses patée and fleurs-de-lis a chain affixed thereto reflexed over the back also Or, holding a lance Argent flying to the sinister a banner of France.
Compartment	A wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks and lilies.
Motto	A Mari Usque Ad Mare
Order(s)	Order of Canada
Other elements	The crest is a crowned lion Or holding a maple leaf Gules.
Use	Government of Canada

The Coat of arms of Canada is the official symbol of the Canadian state, representing the sovereignty and unity of the nation. It was first granted by King George V in 1921 and has undergone several modifications since then, with the most recent changes made in 1994.

Design and Symbolism

The coat of arms is a complex heraldic design that incorporates elements representing the founding nations of Canada, as well as symbols unique to the country.

Shield

The shield is divided into five sections, each representing a different aspect of Canada's heritage:

• The first quarter features three gold lions on a red field, symbolizing England.
• The second quarter displays a red lion rampant on a gold field, representing Scotland.
• The third quarter shows a gold harp on a blue field, symbolizing Ireland.
• The fourth quarter contains three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue field, representing France.
• The overall escutcheon is a white field with a red maple leaf, a symbol of Canada.

Crest

The crest consists of a crowned gold lion holding a red maple leaf, symbolizing Canada's sovereignty and its status as a constitutional monarchy.

Supporters

The supporters are a gold lion and a silver unicorn, which are traditional symbols of the United Kingdom. The lion holds a lance with the Union Flag, while the unicorn holds a lance with the royal flag of France.

Compartment

The compartment is a wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and lilies, representing the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France, respectively.

Motto

The motto "A Mari Usque Ad Mare" translates to "From Sea to Sea," reflecting Canada's vast geography and its motto of unity.

History

The coat of arms was first granted by royal proclamation on November 21, 1921, by King George V. It was designed to reflect Canada's status as a dominion within the British Empire and its diverse cultural heritage.

In 1957, the arms were modified to change the color of the maple leaves from green to red, aligning with the national colors of Canada. Further modifications were made in 1994 to update the design and ensure its relevance to modern Canada.

Usage

The coat of arms is used by the Government of Canada on official documents, buildings, and currency. It is also featured on the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor.

See also

• Flag of Canada
• National symbols of Canada
• Monarchy of Canada

References

• Government of Canada: The Arms of Canada
• Government of Canada: Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges

External links

• Royal Heraldry Society of Canada