Canadian Culture: Literature, Visual Arts, and National Symbols

Canadian Culture: Canada’s culture is a mix of art, food, stories, music, and more that represent Canadians. It is shaped by Indigenous cultures, European traditions, and immigrant contributions. Some parts of Canadian culture are influenced by American ways because of shared language and media.

Canada is known for being progressive, diverse, and multicultural. The government supports multiculturalism and social justice. Canadian culture celebrates diversity and protects rights. Let us learn more!

Overview of Canadian Culture

Aspect	Description
Multiculturalism	– Official policy since 1971 – Encourages diversity and the sharing of cultural heritage
Languages	– English and French are official languages – Indigenous languages are recognized and efforts are made for their preservation
Arts and Literature	– Rich literary tradition with authors like Margaret Atwood – Diverse music scene from Leonard Cohen to Drake – Visual arts include indigenous art and the Group of Seven
Media	– CBC/Radio-Canada is the national broadcaster – Important film industry presence highlighted by TIFF
Cuisine	– Diverse, reflecting multicultural makeup – Known for poutine, maple syrup, butter tarts, and seafood
Sports and Recreation	– Hockey is considered the national winter sport – Lacrosse is the national summer sport – Canadians enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing
Social Values	– Known for politeness and civility – Strong emphasis on equality, inclusiveness, and social justice
Celebrations and Holidays	– Canada Day on July 1 celebrates confederation – National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 honors indigenous cultures – Various cultural festivals throughout the year
Challenges	– Cultural integration of immigrants – Addressing historical and contemporary issues with indigenous peoples

Canadian Culture History

For thousands of years, Canada has been home to Indigenous peoples with various cultures and languages. Early interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples were mostly peaceful. Indigenous peoples played a key role in European colonization and exploration. Many Indigenous words, inventions, and games are now part of Canadian culture.

Canada’s name itself comes from an Indigenous word, and many places have Indigenous names. French colonists settled in Canada in the 17th century followed by British rule. Immigration from Europe and later from around the world shaped Canada’s diverse population. Canadian culture is influenced by Indigenous, European, and immigrant traditions.

The government supports multiculturalism and protects cultural diversity. Canadian nationalism has been shaped by historical events like the World Wars. Political culture emphasizes equality, multiculturalism, and social justice. Canada’s multi-party system reflects diverse political views. Nationalism in Quebec and cultural protectionism are ongoing debates in Canadian society.

Canadian Values

Canadian values are the things that many Canadians believe in and think are important. Politicians often say they support Canadian values, but they don’t always say exactly what they are. Some experts think Canadian values include things like fairness, equality, and peace. Canada is known for having a government that is open and fair and for giving people rights and freedoms.

Most Canadians agree that human rights, following the law and treating everyone equally are important values. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a special document talks about the rights and freedoms Canadians have. Some experts have tried to figure out what Canadian values are and how they compare to other countries. Some people think Canadian values are linked to feeling proud of being Canadian and thinking that Canadian values are special.

Visual Arts

Indigenous artists created art in what we now call Canada long before Europeans came. Their art spanned across Canada and the United States. Many indigenous artworks we see today were made after Europeans arrived using materials like metal and glass beads they traded. Inuit artists made sculptures from walrus ivory, muskox horn, and caribou antler, showing their daily life and stories. Inuit art has been a special gift from Canada to other countries since the 1950s.

Early Canadian painters often followed European styles. Cornelius Krieghoff painted French-Canadian farm life, while Paul Kane painted indigenous life in the west. The Group of Seven painted uniquely Canadian landscapes inspired by Tom Thomson. These artists painted vibrant scenes of Canada’s wilderness.

From the 1930s, Canadian painters developed their own styles. Emily Carr painted famous totem poles in British Columbia. Other notable painters include David Milne, Jean-Paul Riopelle, and Harold Town. Government support and art schools across Canada helped these artists grow and share their work.

Literature

Canadian authors write many different kinds of stories and books. They talk about Canada’s people, places, and feelings. Some famous Canadian authors are Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, and Michael Ondaatje.

They tell stories that people all around the world enjoy. These authors help us understand what life in Canada is like and what it feels like to be Canadian.

Name	Famous Works
Margaret Atwood	“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Alias Grace,” “The Blind Assassin”
Alice Munro	“Dear Life,” “Runaway,” “The Moons of Jupiter”
Yann Martel	“Life of Pi,” “Beatrice and Virgil,” “The High Mountains of Portugal”
L. M. Montgomery	“Anne of Green Gables,” “Anne of Avonlea,” “Emily of New Moon”
Rohinton Mistry	“A Fine Balance,” “Such a Long Journey,” “Family Matters”
Miriam Toews	“A Complicated Kindness,” “All My Puny Sorrows,” “Women Talking”
Joseph Boyden	“Three Day Road,” “Through Black Spruce,” “The Orenda”
Emma Donoghue	“Room,” “The Wonder,” “Frog Music”
Thomas King	“Green Grass, Running Water,” “The Inconvenient Indian,” “The Back of the Turtle”
Margaret Laurence	“The Stone Angel,” “A Jest of God,” “The Diviners”

1. Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is a famous Canadian author who writes many different kinds of stories. She often tells stories with a Canadian feel especially about nature. She writes different types of fiction and nonfiction, from history to futuristic tales.

Here are some of her most famous books

• “The Handmaid’s Tale”: It’s about a world where women have very few rights, and one woman’s struggle to survive in this society.
• “Alias Grace”: This book is based on a true story about a woman accused of murder in the 19th century. It’s about memory and truth.
• “The Blind Assassin”: It’s a complex story about two sisters and their lives. It talks about love, betrayal, and how stories can change the truth.
• “Oryx and Crake”: This book is about a future world destroyed by science and greed. It follows one man trying to survive and understand what happened.
• “The Robber Bride”: It’s about three women and their complicated relationship with another woman who’s caused them trouble.
• “Cat’s Eye”: This book is about a woman reflecting on her childhood and the people who shaped her life.
• “The Testaments”: It’s a sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” continuing the story of the oppressive society and the resistance against it.

2. Alice Munro

Alice Munro is a well-known Canadian author who writes short stories. Her stories often feel very personal, like she’s telling you a secret. Here are some of her famous works:

• “Dear Life”: This book is a collection of short stories that talk about everyday life and the secrets hidden within it. Munro’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and struggles.
• “Runaway”: In this collection, Munro describe the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Each story is like a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges.
• “The Moons of Jupiter”: This collection of stories is filled with Munro’s signature style of storytelling—intimate, insightful, and emotionally resonant. The stories touch on themes of family, memory, and the passage of time.

3. Yann Martel

Yann Martel is a Canadian author known for his imaginative and thought-provoking storytelling. Here’s a look at some of his notable works:

• “Life of Pi”: This novel tells the extraordinary story of a young Indian boy named Pi Patel who survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
• “Beatrice and Virgil”: In this novel, Martel tells the story of a writer named Henry who encounters a taxidermist named Henry who uses a donkey and a howler monkey to convey his message about the Holocaust.
• “The High Mountains of Portugal”: This novel is divided into three interconnected stories set in different time periods in Portugal. Each story explores themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning.

4. L. M. Montgomery

L. M. Montgomery wrote “Anne of Green Gables,” a famous book about a girl growing up in Canada. She loved making up stories as a kid, which inspired her writing.Here’s a closer look at her work:

• “Anne of Green Gables”: This novel describe the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. The story revolves around Anne’s journey of self-discovery her friendships, and her experiences growing up in the idyllic Canadian countryside.
• “Anne of Avonlea”: The sequel to “Anne of Green Gables,” this book continues Anne’s story as she becomes a teacher and navigates the challenges and joys of adulthood. It tells the themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
• “Emily of New Moon”: This novel introduces readers to Emily Starr, an imaginative young girl who goes to live with her relatives on Prince Edward Island after her father’s death. Like Anne, Emily is a spirited character who faces various trials and tribulations as she grows up.

5. Rohinton Mistry

Rohinton Mistry writes about Indian immigrants in Canada. His stories show the struggles they face while searching for self-worth. “A Fine Balance” is a novel set in India that gives you a peek into family and friendship. Here’s an overview of some of his notable works:

• “A Fine Balance”: This novel, set in India during the mid-1970s, follows the lives of four characters from different backgrounds whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Mistry vividly portrays the social and political turmoil of the time, as well as the resilience and humanity of his characters in the face of adversity. “A Fine Balance” received widespread critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
• “Such a Long Journey”: Set in Bombay in the early 1970s, this novel follows Gustad Noble, a bank clerk, as he navigates personal and political challenges in his life. Mistry skillfully weaves together themes of family, friendship, and the struggle for identity against the backdrop of India’s changing socio-political landscape.

National Symbols

Canadian history various symbols and items have emerged as distinctly Canadian, embodying the nation’s culture, identity, values and heritage. Early symbols often revolved around nature, pioneers, and indigenous themes. Nowadays symbols reflect Canada’s geography, climate, and lifestyle, blending European and indigenous influences.

A 2013 survey showed that over 90% of respondents viewed the national flag and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as top symbols of Canadian identity. Other significant symbols included the national anthem (“O Canada”), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and ice hockey. Similarly, a 2008 poll identified the maple leaf as the foremost symbol of Canada, followed by ice hockey, the national flag, the beaver, the Canadarm, Canada Day and Canadian Forces peacekeeping.

In Canada, several national symbols hold significant meaning for its people:

• Canadian Flag (Maple Leaf): The Canadian flag, often referred to as the Maple Leaf, is a symbol of national pride and unity. Adopted in 1965, the red and white flag features a stylized maple leaf in the center which has been associated with Canada since the 18th century. The flag represents Canada’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and commitment to peace and democracy.
• National Anthem (“O Canada”): “O Canada” is the official national anthem of Canada. Written in 1880, with updated lyrics adopted in 1980, the anthem celebrates Canada’s landscapes, history, and people.
• National Emblem (Coat of Arms): The Canadian Coat of Arms is a symbol of Canada’s sovereignty and authority. It features the shield of arms, which includes symbols representing Canada’s founding nations—the maple leaf for Canada, the three royal lions for England, the royal lion for Scotland, and the fleur-de-lis for France. Surrounding the shield are symbols representing Canada’s natural resources, including wheat sheaves, a maple leaf and a lion and unicorn supporting the shield.

Related Links

1. List of Major Trade Unions in Canada: Top 10 List
2. List of Canada based companies in India
3. Canada Travel Guide: Explore Canada – The Ultimate Guide
4. List of Top Universities in Canada

FAQs on Canadian Culture

What is the national symbol of Canada?

The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada that is recognized around the world.

What is the national culture of Canada?

Canadian culture is like a big mix of British, French and American influences. You can see these influences in everything Canadians do, like making movies, writing books, cooking food and playing sports. Sometimes these influences all mix together, and other times they kinda compete with each other. It’s like a big melting pot of different cultures that make up Canada’s unique way of life.

What are 5 things that define Canadian culture?

Canadians value equality, respect, safety, peace, nature.

How many cultures are in Canada?

According to the 2021 Canadian census, over 450 “ethnic or cultural origins” were self-reported by Canadians.

What’s the main religion in Canada?

Christianity is the mail religion in Canada.