<P> The flag is horizontally symmetric and therefore the obverse and reverse sides appear identical . The width of the Maple Leaf flag is twice the height . The white field is a Canadian pale (a square central band in a vertical triband flag, named after this flag); each bordering red field is exactly half its size and it bears a stylized red maple leaf at its centre . In heraldic terminology, the flag's blazon as outlined on the original royal proclamation is "gules on a Canadian pale argent a maple leaf of the first". </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> <P> By proclaiming the Royal Arms of Canada, King George V in 1921 made red and white the official colours of Canada; the former came from Saint George's Cross and the latter from the French royal emblem since King Charles VII . These colours became "entrenched" as the national colours of Canada upon the proclamation of the Royal Standard of Canada (the Canadian monarch's personal flag) in 1962 . The Department of Canadian Heritage has listed the various colour shades for printing ink that should be used when reproducing the Canadian flag; these include: </P> <Ul> <Li> FIP red: General Printing Ink, No. 0 - 712; </Li> <Li> Inmont Canada Ltd., No. 4T51577; </Li> <Li> Monarch Inks, No. 62539 / 0 </Li> <Li> Rieger Inks, No. 25564 </Li> <Li> Sinclair and Valentine, No . RL163929 / 0 . </Li> </Ul>

What do the colours of the canadian flag mean