It's believed that the maple leaf became a Canadian symbol as early as the 1700's.
Indians have been using the sap of the trees for food long before Canada saw ships on its horizon.
Several groups used the Maple Leaf as a symbol in the 1800's, including its use on the badge of the 100th Regiment. The same year (1860) it was used as a decorative theme for the Prince of Wales visit.
Alexander Muir wrote "The Maple Leaf Forever" in 1867 as a song for Confederation.
The Maple Leaf appeared on all Canadian coins in the past but is currently only on the penny.
It continued to be used as badges on military uniforms throughout the years as a Canadian distinction. It wasn't until the colour of the maple leaves on the Arms of Canada were changed from green to red, that it began to resemble the symbol of today. The single red maple leaf appeared on Canada's official National Flag in 1965.
