Table of contents |
2 Heraldry 3 Other Canadian coats of arms 4 See also 5 External links |
The shield contains five coats: the three gold English "leopards" or lions passant, the Scottish lion and royal tressure; the Irish harp of Tara; the gold fleurs de lis of royal France; and a sprig with three red maple leaves to represent Canadians of all origins.
The ribbon is marked Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam, meaning "they desire a better country." It is the motto of the Order of Canada.
The gold helmet facing forward represents royal sovereignty; the mantling is in Canada's national colours, red and white.
The crest is a crowned gold lion holding a maple leaf. This is used by the Governor-General of Canada , representing the Queen of Canada. At the top is St. Edward's Crown, the style of royal crown preferred by Her Majesty.
The English lion and Scottish unicorn hold spears from which fly the Union Jack and the three fleurs-de-lis of royal France.
The motto is A Mari Usque Ad Mare, meaning "from sea to sea." It is taken from Psalm 72:8, first used in Canada in 1906 when it was engraved on the legislative mace of Saskatchewan.
See list of state mottos.
Beneath the motto is a wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and fleurs-de-lis, the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France.
Here is the heraldic blazon of Canada's coat of arms:
Alberta - British Columbia - Manitoba - New Brunswick - Newfoundland and Labrador - Northwest Territories - Nova Scotia - Nunavut - Ontario - Quebec - Prince Edward Island - Saskatchewan - YukonSymbols
Shield
Ribbon
Helmet
Crest
Supporters
Motto
Heraldry
Other Canadian coats of arms