National Flag
The national flag of Bhutan is representative of the country’s general features. It is rectangular and divided diagonally into two parts with a dragon across the middle. The secular authority of the king is known by the upper half of the flag which is yellow, the colour of fruitful action in state and religious affairs. The lower saffron-orange half of the flag represents the religious practice and spiritual power of Mahayana Buddhism. The dragon signifies the name of the country, locally known as Druk Yul – the land of the thunder dragon. Its white colour is an expression of purity and loyalty of the Bhutanese people. The country’s wealth and perfection are the jewels clasped in the dragon’s claws, protected by the strength of deities expressed by the snarling mouth of the dragon.
National Emblem
The National Emblem, is contained in a circle with two dragons framing a double diamond- thunderbolt (Dorji) placed above a lotus, surrounded by a jewel. The Dorji symbolizes harmony between secular and religious power while the jewel represents sovereign power. The quality of purity is present in the lotus. The two dragons, male and female, call out the name of the country – the thunder dragon (Druk Yul).
National Day
ecember 17th is celebrated through out the country as National Day. It was on this date in 1907 that the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously elected as the first hereditary king of Bhutan.
Raven Crown
Usa Jarog Dongchen is the Raven Crown of Bhutan, a symbol of Mahakala, the protective deity of the first Zhabdrung. The head of raven lies on top of a motif called Jachung, embroidered on the brim of the crown. A sun and moon on the head of the raven symbolizes longevity, steadfastness and enlightenment. The Norbu, also on the head, is a sacred gem symbolic of the fulfillment of right effort.
National Animal
The Dong Gemtsey or Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor) is Bhutan’s national animal for its uniqueness and strong association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is said that during his visit to Bhutan in the 15th century, the divine mad man Lama Drukpa Kuenley was asked to perform a miracle by his devotees. After devouring a whole cow and goat, he took the goat’s head and stuck it onto the bones of the cow’s body. On his command, this strange animal came to life and ran to graze on the mountain side. To this day, these animals – head resembling like goat and body like ox can be found grazing on herbs, shrubs and grass in north- western and far north- eastern Bhutan.
National Flower (Blue Poppy)
The blue poppy (meconopsis grandis) is known as euitgel meto hoem in Bhutan. It was once considered to be myth because of its unconfirmed existence. Blue Poppies are found along high mountain passes from the far eastern parts of the country across the west.
National Bird (Raven)
The Raven’s (Corvus Corax) face, which adorns the royal crown, is a representation of Laygoan Jarog Dongchen who, along with Pal Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) constitutes the Divine Trinity, which perpetually safeguards the well being of the kingdom and protects the king and subjects from adversity.
National Tree (Cypress)
Cypress (Cupresses Corneyana) is found in the temperate climate zone, between 1800 and 3500 meters altitude. It has religious connotations. It is quite strong and tall with a clan bole and grows even on rocky areas. Its capacity to survive on couch rugged harsh terrain is compared to that of the Bhutanese people in their bravery and simplicity.
National Game (Archery)
The national sport of Bhutan is archery. It is an exclusively male sport although women are as much part of the whole affair for their participation in the rituals of dancing and verbal encouragements that accompany the game. Sarcastic refrains are often made about the archers in an attempt to distract them from hitting a straight arrow. Traditional bows and arrows are made from bamboo although the popularity of foreign compound bows is gaining momentum those who can afford
National Language (Dzongkha)
zongkha (the language of the dzong) is the national language of Bhutan. Dzongkha is related to Tibetan and belongs to the Tibeto – Burman language family. The written form of the language is based on choekey.
National Dress Gho(Man) & Kira(Woman)
Bhutanses men wear gho, which are longish robes tied around the waist by a cloth belt, known as kera. The women’s dress is know as kira – a rectangular piece of woven fabric with traditional patterns about the size of a single bed sheet, worn around the body, tied at the shoulders by a pair of silver/gold clasps known as koma, and at the waist by a beautifully pattern belt – kera.
National Day
ecember 17th is celebrated through out the country as National Day. It was on this date in 1907 that the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously elected as the first hereditary king of Bhutan.
