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National Emblem
The National Emblem of Bhutan is a circle that projects a double diamond thunderbolt placed above the lotus. There is a jewel on all the sides and two dragons on the two vertical sides. The two thunderbolts represent the harmony between secular and religious power. The lotus symbolizes purity. The jewel signifies sovereign power. The two dragons(male and female) on each side stand for the name of the country (Druk means dragon and for the Bhutanese, Bhutan is known as Druk yul or the Land of the Dragon).
National Flower “Blue Poppy”
The national flower is Blue Poppy(Meconopsis horridula). It is delicate blue or purple tinged blooms with a white filament. It grows to a height of 1 meter, on the rocky mountain terrain found above the tree line (3500-4500). This flower is however linked with amyth of a yeti. It was discovered in 1933 by a British Botanist, George Sherriff in remote part of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan.
National Tree “Cypress”
The national tree is cypress(Cupressus torolusa). In Bhutan one can notice big cypresses near the religious structures. Cypress is found in the temperate climate zone, between 1800 and 3500 metres altitude. It is associated with religion. Its capacity to survive on rugged harsh terrain is compared to bravery.
National Bird “Raven”
The national bird is the raven. It ornaments the royal crown. Raven represents the deity Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), one of the chief guardian deities of Bhutan.
National Animal “Takin”
The national animal is takin (burdorcas taxicolor). The reason for selecting this mammal as a national animal is because it is associated with religious history and mythology. It is a very rare mammal. It has a thick neck and short muscular legs. It lives in groups and is found in places 4000 meters high on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboos.It can weigh about 250 kgs.
National Dress of Bhutan
‘Gho’ is the national dress for men in Bhutan. It is a long robe hoisted up until it is knee-length. The hoisted cloth is held in place with a woven cloth belt called ‘Kera’ wound tightly around the waist. The hoisted up cloth forms a large pouch, in which certain items could be kept such as the traditional bow land betel nut. National dress for Bhutanese women is ‘Kira’. Kira looks like an apron. It is generally made of fine woven fabric, is adorned with traditional patterns and is mostly worn in bright colors. The intricately woven Kira enhance the beauty and the graceful manners of the women of Bhutan and compliment their dark looks perfectly. Women wear ‘Kira’ over a blouse called ‘Wonju’. Kira is a floor-length rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the body and held from the shoulders by broach-like hooks called ‘Koma’.
Women also use ‘Kera’ to fasten Kiras around the waist. Women also wear ‘Toego’ along with Kiras, which are short and open jacket-like garments. Zhabdrung NgawangNamgyal introduced national dresses for men and women during the 17th century in an attempt to lend a unique identity to the people of Bhutan. All Bhutanese citizens are required to observe the national dress code, known as Driglam Namzha, while in public during daylight hours. All Bhutanese have to wear their national dress in government offices, schools and all formal occasions. It was always customary to wear it but since 1990, it has been the law of the land and police may fine any Bhutanese who is not wearing official national dress in public. The law is said to be an effort to preserve and promote Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Bhutan National Flag
National Flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally with a white dragon in the center of the flag. The dragon is snarling and clutches jewels in its claws. One half of the flag is orange representing the spiritual power in the country that is controlled chiefly by Drukpas monasteries and Buddhist religious practices. The other half of the flag is saffron yellow representing the temporal power in the country and the secular authority of the dynasty. Bhutan is a religious country with Buddhism as its official religion. Bhutanese people call their country as ‘Druk yul’ or ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. Bhutanese believe that thunder is actually the voices of the dragon roaring. Thus the dragon in the center of the flag or ‘Druk’ has deep association with the country itself
The jewels in dragon’s claws represent the wealth and prosperity of the nation.The snarling dragon represents the male and female deities who are always protecting the country, its King and the people from harm and are inimical to outside forces that are threatening them. In Bhutan, the democratic government shares its power with the King representing the monarchy. In the late 12th century and the beginning of 13th century, a monastery was set up in Bhutan,which was called the ‘Druk’ (meaning the ‘Thunder Dragon’) and the sect it represented was called ‘Drukpas’. Since then, dragon has become in separable with Bhutan. The King, His Majesty Jigme Wanchuck, designed the first version of the national flag.
It appeared during the signing of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of 1949. The flag was square, divided diagonally, with yellow in the upper hoist and red in the lower fly. The green dragon set diagonally at the center of the flag was taken from the traditional depiction of the turquoise dragon ‘Yu Druk Ngonm’. Lharip TawTaw, a court painter, embroidered on the original flag. In 1956, another flag was made for the royal tour, with the exception of the dragon, whose color was changed to white and the dragon was set straight. Copies of this flag were affixed to the saddles of every tenth pony in the convoy, while a larger flag,about 6 sq. feet was hoisted at the camps. This National Flag of Bhutan was interpreted as follows:
“The national flag is half yellow and half red. The yellow spreads from the summit to the base and forms the fluttering end. His Majesty, the Dharma King is the summit and root of the Drukpa Kagyud of the Palden Drukpa. As he wears the yellow robe [scarf], the yellow represents the being of His Majesty. The significance of red is that the Kingdom of Kagyud Palden Drukpa is governed from the foot of the Dharma King His Majesty consistent with dual monastic and civil systems, and therefore the country’s entire borders and centre is consistent with the teachings (Dharma). The red and yellow fields are adjoined.The dragon spreads equally over them. This signifies that the people are united in oneness of speech and mind in upholding the Kingdom’s interest. The dragon symbolizes that in the eyes of Palden Drukpa, there is no discrimination against people of any disposition, and that they are being governed toward peace and prosperity.”
In the late 1950s, an official from India visited Bhutan and it was noted that Indian flag that had 2:3 size proportions was flying better than the square flag of the Bhutan. Thus, the national flag was redesigned to its present design based on the size of the Indian flag, which is 9 feet by 6 feet. The dragon was again embroidered diagonally along the color join, so that it would not seem as if the dragon is facing downwards when the flag flies. In late sixties, the red color was changed to orange to represent Buddhism.
Archery, the National Sport
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and very village has its own archery range. High spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet,are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows (although modern compound bows are now common in cities) team of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 120 meters. Each team has a noisy crowd of supporters who, as well as encouraging their own side, try to put off the opposition. Archery competition are among the most picturesque and colorful events in the country and are the integral part of all festivities.Inter-village rivalry is common throughout the Kingdom and this rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery tournaments. They are generally held at Losar (Bhutanese New Year) but smaller competitions are held throughout the year.