Definition of the word maple leaf

The term "maple leaf" refers to the distinctive leaf of the maple tree, which is common in Canada. The origins of the phrase "maple leaf" as a symbol of Canada can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Queen Victoria asked her husband, Prince Albert, to suggest a symbol that represented the British colony of Canada. The Prince is said to have taken inspiration from the coat of arms of a Scottish clan, the Frasers, which features three maple leaves. In 1868, the maple leaf appeared as a decorative element on the Canadian flag, and it became an official symbol of Canada when it was adopted as the country's crest in 1921. Since then, the maple leaf has been a prominent emblem of Canadian identity, appearing on official documents, coins, and merchandise, and it continues to be recognized around the world as a symbol of Canada's natural beauty and heritage.