The maple is an important Canadian tree as a source of sap for maple syrup and of wood used for furniture and flooring. The maple leaf has been a Canadian emblem since the 17th century. In 1868, the maple leaf appeared in the provincial Coats of Arms of Ontario and Quebec. Recognized world-wide as the symbol of Canada, a maple leaf has been the central element of the Canadian flag since 1965. The maple tree was not officially recognized as Canada's arboreal emblem until 1996.Canada Post Office issued a set of four maple stamps over the course of 1971, showing the maple in each season. Alma Duncan was commissioned by Canada Post Office to design the attractive "Maple in Four Season" set.
"Maple in Four Seasons" essays by Alma Duncan
National Archives of Canada
Spring
The sugar maple flowers emerge in the spring, producing fruits that ripen in September or October. The fruits called samaras or "maple keys" contain a pair of seeds attached to a wing of flat tissue. Seeds germinate in the spring following their dispersal in the fall. The spring stamp, issued on April 14, 1971, shows a maple key in early spring prior to germination.
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office Publicity First Day Cover
Shering Corporation
Canada Envelope Company
Elliot-Marion
Elliot-Marion Enclosure
Canada Post Office Official First Day Cover
Rosecraft
Canada Bank Note Company
Jackson
Overseas Mailers
Cole
David Pritchard
Summer
The summer stamp shows a young maple plant.
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office Publicity First Day Cover
Shering Corporation
Canada Envelope Company
Canada Post Office Official First Day Cover
Rosecraft
Jackson
Overseas Mailers
Cole
H and E
David Pritchard
Autumn
In the autumn, shorter days and cooler nights trigger maple leaves to turn to brilliant shades of yellow, red, or orange. This spectacular colour show precedes the shedding of a tree's leaves before winter sets in. A fallen red maple leaf is featured on the autumn stamp issued on September 3, 1971.
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office Publicity First Day Cover
Shering Corporation
Canada Envelope Company
Canada Post Office Official First Day Cover
Rosecraft
Jackson
Overseas Mailers
Cole
Elliot- Marion
Elliot-Marion mailed first day covers for the "Maple in Autumn" stamp with and without cachets.
Elliot-Marion enclosures:
David Pritchard
Winter
Ms. Duncan's painting of maple leaves in winter snow is reproduced on the last stamp of the "Maple in All Seasons" set, issued on November 19, 1971.
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office Publicity First Day Cover
Shering Corporation
Canada Post Office Official First Day Cover
Rosecraft
Cole
Canadian Bank Note
Elliot-Marion
Jackson
H and E
David Pritchard
Royal Winter Fair Stationery
David Pritchard
Usages
International Surface Letter
The UPU letter rate when the cover below was mailed was 12 cents.
Ottawa to Athens, April 14, 1971
12 cent UPU letter rate
Shortpaid 6 cents
Canadian Taxe fraction : 12/12
Canadian Taxe Fraction : 12/12
Greek Tax : T4
4 drachmas postage due paid with UN commemorative
Cancelled May 12, 1971