Famous Canadian Symbols: Mounties and Maple Syrup

As an arctic blast slams the American Midwest, the minds of many have turned to our neighbors to the north, Canada.  Though connected by a continent, a shared history, and an inexplicable distrust of the Irish, many Americans know nothing of the Great White North.  For many, the only impression they have of Canadian culture is through our Saturday morning rituals; animated Mounties in our morning cartoons and maple syrup on our pancakes. With the arrival next month of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, it is high time American’s learn a bit about the symbols that represent Canada

• The Maple Leaf - Visible on the country’s flag, coat-of-arms, penny and uniform of Toronto’s professional hockey team, the maple leaf is the most well-known symbol of Canada. Dating back to the 18th century, usage of the maple leaf is thought to represent Canadians love of the outdoors, raking in the autumn, and objects in nature that resemble crowns.

• The Beaver - Known for abundant natural resources such as timber and oil sands, Canada’s greatest contribution to the world at large is their seemingly never-ending supply of beavers. Since colonial times,  beaver pelts have been one of the countries greatest exports, second only to Saturday Night Live sketch writers. While many experts have been calling for the crash of the beaver skin bubble, the surging demand for top hats lined with the warm fur in emerging international markets guarantees a long future for turn-of-the-18th-century pioneers.

• Canadian Bacon - Much to the chagrin of American breakfast meat connoisseurs, Canadian Bacon resembles nothing of the crispy strips so readily found garnishing cheeseburgers and salads alike.  While a cured pork product, Canadian Bacon differs from American-style in that it is served in thicker (often round) slices resembling ham, and cooked not to the point of crispness, but left juicy and flavorful.  If American-style bacon is the candy of meats, Canadian Bacon is the healthy snack alternative.

• Alex Trebek - The long-time host of the award-winning prime time television game show, Jeopardy, Alex Trebek is one of Canada’s most precious resources. For 25 years, this Ontario native has dazzled American and Canadian viewers alike with his razor-sharp wit, unsurpased knowledge of Potent Potables (for $500), and his on-again-off-again mustache.

Whether enjoying three fingers of Crown Royal over ice, or placing a bet with your bookie on the curling semi-finals at next month’s Olympics, lets all take a moment to remember our bilingual friends above us.