National Symbols of Bhutan

National Symbols of Bhutan

The national flag is rectangular with a white dragon stretched across a two-color diagonal. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, symbolizing the secular power of the monarchy. The lower half is orange, representing the state religion, Mahayana Buddhism. The white in the dragon stands for purity while the jewels clasped within its claws convey the wealth and perfection of the nation.

The national day of Bhutan falls on the 17th of December, commemorating the ascension to the throne of the first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck. King Ugyen Wangchuck unified the country that was divided into several fiefdoms, and was unanimously crowned on this day at the Punakha Dzong in 1907.

The national flower is the Blue Poppy (Meconopsis grandis), which grows above 4000 m. on the southern slopes of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

The national tree is the Cypress (Cupressus torolusa).The tree is held in great reverence, and the ground upon which it stands is considered sacred.

The Bhutanese identify with the cypress because of its straight structure, sturdy nature and its ability to inhospitable terrain.

The national bird is the Raven. It represents the most powerful guardian deities of the nation. So great is the significance of the raven that it is depicted on the crown of the monarchy.

The national animal is the Takin, a rare bovid mammal, unique only to Bhutan. Bearing mixed features of a horse, goat and a cow, the Takin is found at altitudes of 4,000metres.It weighs about 250 kilograms and subsists on bamboo. The Takin can be seen at the Thimphu Takin zoo.

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