National Symbols of Bhutan
National Symbols of Bhutan is unique in its own way and it was unknown to the world as it is a small kingdom hidden in Himalaya. Now with opening to the world it is considered as one of the top 10 destination of the world. One should not miss the chance to visit this small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan known to the rest of the world as land of gross national happiness.
The National Emblem of Bhutan has a double diamond thunderbolt placed above the lotus. Two dragons (male and female) are seen on the two vertical sides. The two thunderbolts represent the harmony between secular and religious power and the lotus symbolizes purity. The jewel represents the sovereign power. The dragons stand for the name of the country.
The National flag which is rectangular in shape is divided into two parts diagonally. The upper yellow half represents the secular power and authority of the king. The lower saffron-orange symbolizes the practice of religion and power of the Buddhism. The white dragon means the purity and name of the country. The jewels in the dragon’s claws indicate the country’s wealth and perfection. The national flag was created in 1947 by late Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji, and was modified to the present form in 1956.
Bhutan although a small country has a multi-lingual society. About 19 different languages and dialects are spoken in the country. Dzongkha is the state language. Dzongkha means the “language of the fort” which in the ancient times was used by the people who worked in the Dzongs (fortresses). Dzongs continue to be the temporal and spiritual seat.
The national anthem was composed in 1953 and was made official in 1966. It is also known as Druk Tshenden Kepay Gyalkhab Na (In the Dragon Kingdom, where cypress grows).
National Anthem of Bhutan
Original Bhutanese Lyrics
Druk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na
Lug nyi ki tenpa chongwai gyon
Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe
Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid phel
Chho Sangye ten pa goong dho phel
Bang dey kyed nyima shar warr sho.
The Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Cypress
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The glorious King of Druk, precious sovereign,
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous.
May the teachings of the Blessed one thrive and flourish!
May the sun of peace and happiness shine on the people!
December 17 is the national day of Bhutan. The day is celebrated annually across the country to mark the crowning of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan. He was crowned in Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907 restoring peace and order in the country. All the Kings of Bhutan have to become Trongsa Penlop prior to their enthronement as King.
Cypress (Cupressus torolusa) is the national tree. In Bhutan, cypress trees have religious significance and are seen near the religious structures. It is found in the temperate zone, between altitude range of 1800 and 3500 meters. It survives on rugged harsh terrain.
Blue Poppy (Meconopsis horridula) is the national flower of Bhutan. The flower has tinge of blue or purple with a white filament. Blue poppy is found on the rocky mountain terrain above the tree line (3500-4500). The plant grows up to a height of 1 meter. It was first discovered in remote part of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan by George Sherriff, a British Botanist in 1933.
Takin (burdorcas taxicolor) is the national animal. Takin is associated with religious history and mythology and therefore it was selected as a national animal. It weighs about 250 kgs. The animal is found in places above 4000 meters on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboos.
Raven is the national bird. The royal crown has raven head on it and the crown is popularly known as raven crown. Raven represents the deity Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), a chief guardian deity of Bhutan.