<P> The maple leaf has been used as a Canadian emblem since the 18th century . It was first used as a national symbol in 1868 when it appeared on the coat of arms of both Ontario and Quebec . In 1867 , Alexander Muir composed the patriotic song `` The Maple Leaf Forever '' , which became an unofficial anthem in English - speaking Canada . The maple leaf was later added to the Canadian coat of arms in 1921 . From 1876 until 1901 , the leaf appeared on all Canadian coins and remained on the penny after 1901 . The use of the maple leaf by the Royal Canadian Regiment as a regimental symbol extended back to 1860 . During the First World War and Second World War , badges of the Canadian Forces were often based on a maple leaf design . The maple leaf would eventually adorn the tombstones of Canadian military graves . </P>
<P> The maple leaf has been used as a Canadian emblem since the 18th century . It was first used as a national symbol in 1868 when it appeared on the coat of arms of both Ontario and Quebec . In 1867 , Alexander Muir composed the patriotic song `` The Maple Leaf Forever '' , which became an unofficial anthem in English - speaking Canada . The maple leaf was later added to the Canadian coat of arms in 1921 . From 1876 until 1901 , the leaf appeared on all Canadian coins and remained on the penny after 1901 . The use of the maple leaf by the Royal Canadian Regiment as a regimental symbol extended back to 1860 . During the First World War and Second World War , badges of the Canadian Forces were often based on a maple leaf design . The maple leaf would eventually adorn the tombstones of Canadian military graves . </P>
when was the maple leaf first adopted as a symbol in canada
when was the maple leaf first adopted as a symbol in canada
1868
1868