"Nova Scotia" means "New Scotland" in Latin.
Nova Scotia became a province in 1867.
The flag is similar to the shield.
It became the official provincial flag in 1929.
THE COAT OF ARMS
The coat of arms has a unicorn and an Aboriginal hunter
on either side of the shield. The unicorn represents Scotland and the Aboriginal represents the Native population.The shield has the blue St.Andrew's cross. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. The royal lion of Scotland is on a golden shield in the centre of the cross.
The floral emblem (the Mayflower) and the thistle of Scotland are below the shield.
The motto at the top of the coat of arms means "One defends and the other conquers".
THE MAYFLOWER (Trailing Arbutus)
The name "Mayflower" comes from early settlers who came to North America on a ship called the Mayflower. This pink flower grows very close to the ground in the woodlands. It has shiny evergreen leaves and tiny flowers that bloom in early spring.
bird - Osprey (bird of prey, dives for fish)
provincial dog - Duck Tolling Retriever
tree - Red Spruce
berry- wild blueberry
gemstone - Agate (used for jewellery, birthstone for May)
mineral - Stilbite
The Bluenose schooner (sailing ship) is also a
symbol of the province of Nova Scotia.
http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/canada/emblems/ns.html