National Flag of Bhutan
The national flag of Bhutan was first designed in 1947 by MayumChoyingWangmoDorji and was modified later again in 1956 where flag is divided diagonally with a white dragon across the middle.
The flag is divided diagonally where upper yellowhalf that touches the base symbolizes the secular tradition. It personifies His Majesty the King, whose noble actions enhance the Kingdom. Hence, it symbolizes that His Majesty is the upholder of the spiritual and secular foundations of the Kingdom. The lower orange half that extends to the top symbolizes the spiritual tradition. It also symbolizes the flourishing of the Buddhist teachings in general and that of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions in particular. The dragon that fully presses down the fimbriation symbolizes the name of the Kingdom, which is endowed with the spiritual and secular traditions. The white dragon symbolizes the undefiled thoughts of the people that express their loyalty, patriotism and great sense of belonging to the Kingdom.
National Emblem of Bhutan
The emblem of Bhutan contains several elements of the flag of Bhutan, with slightly different artistry, and in much Buddhist symbolism.
The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond-thunderbolt (dorje) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. 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 Flower of Bhutan
The National Flower of Bhutan is Blue Poppy locally known as “EuitgelMetogHoem” and biological name is Meconopsisgrandis. It is one of the rarest flowers in the world and its stems have 4 to 5 flowers. Blue poppies used to grow abundantly at the Chelela pass in the Paro Valley but recently, its growth have been severely depleted and they have become quite rare.
National Animal of Bhutan
The National Animal of Bhutan is Takin locally known as ‘Dong GyemTsey’ as it is unique, rare and native to Bhutan. There are more than 1,000 takin flourishing in the JigmeDorji National Park and other areas of Bhutan. They are bulky and large and yet can move very fast on the high ridges. Takin are sure-footed animals and can be easily spotted in Tsarijathang between Laya and Lingshi and in Tarina valley in Lunana in the summer months.
National Games of Bhutan
The National Game of Bhutan is Archery locally known as “Dha”. It is an exclusively male sport but women do participate in the rituals of dancing accompanying the game and give verbal encouragements to the archers. Traditional long bamboo bows and arrows are increasingly being replaced by more expensive and sophisticated imported state-of-the-art compound bows. Bhutanese have always been passionate about their national game and there is an archery range in almost all the villages of Bhutan.