
The National
Symbols of Bhutan
National Flag
The national flag was created
in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji and modified
in 1956 to take its final shape. The Bhutanese
flag is divided diagonally and depicts a white
dragon across the middle. The upper part of the
flag is golden yellow, representing the secular
power of the king, while the lower part is orange,
symbolising the Buddhist religion. The dragon,
whose white colour is associated with purity,
represents Bhutan . The jewels held in its claws
stand for the wealth and perfection of the
country.
National Anthem
The national anthem was first
composed in 1953. The National Anthem became
official in 1966. The first stanza can be
translated: In the kingdom of the dragon,
The southern land of sandalwood, Long live the
king Who directs the affairs of both
state and religion.
National Emblem
The national emblem, contained
in a circle, is composed of a double
diamond-thunderbolt placed above a lotus,
surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons.
The thunderbolt represents the harmony between
secular and religious power which results from the
Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The lotus
symbolizes purity; the jewel expresses sovereign
power; and the two dragons, male and female, stand
for the name of the country which they proclaim
with their great voice, the thunder.
National Day
National Day is celebrated on
17 December and commemorates the ascension to the
throne of Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of
Bhutan , at Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907.
National Flower
The national flower is the
blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis),which
grows at high altitudes.
National Tree
The national tree is the
cypress (Cupressus torolusa), which is
often associated with religious places. The
Bhutanese identify with it because it is straight
and strong and can grow in inhospitable
soil.
National Bird
The national bird is the raven
(Corvus corax) because it adorns the
royal hat. It represents the deity Gonpo
Jarodonchen (Mahakala with a raven's head), one of
the most important guardian deities of Bhutan .
National Animal
The national animal is the
takin (Burdorcas taxicolor), an extremely
rare bovid mammal of the ovine-caprine family. It
lives in flocks in places 4,000 metres (over
13,125 feet) high, and eats bamboo. It can weigh
as much as 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds).
National Sport
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Since
time immemorial Bhutanese have been passionate
about their national sport of dha
(archery).
Competitions are a riot of colour
and excitement, with two teams in traditional
dress shooting at small wooden targets placed 140m
apart (Olympic standard is 50m). |