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The National
Flag:
The
rectangular national flag of Bhutan is diagonally
segmented and depicts a white dragon across the
middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow,
which represents the secular power of the King,
while the lower orange which is indicative of the
Buddhist influence. The Dragon ( Druk in National
Language) represents Bhutan: the Drukyul, the
Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. The white Dragon
represents the purity and loyalty of the people. The
jewel in its claws represents the wealth and
prosperity of the country and the people. The
snarling of the mouth of the dragon expresses the
strength of the male and the female protective
deties of the country.
The National
Emblem:
The National Emblem, contained in the circle, is
composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed
above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by
to dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt
represents the harmony between the secular and
religious power, which results from the Buddhist
religion in its Vajrayana form. The Lotus symbolizes
purity; the jewel- sovereign power ; and the two
dragons, male & female stand for the name of the
country- Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
The National
Tree:
C ypress (Cypresses corneyana), locally called
Tsenden is associated with religious places.
According to legend, this tree is believed to have
grown from Guru Padmasambhava’s walking stick.
National Flower: Blue Popy ( Mecanopsis Grandis),
locally called Euitpel metog hoem, is delicate blue
and purple tinged bloom with a white filament
growing in higher altitude.
National bird: Raven (Corvus corax Tibetanus). The
tutelary god Mahakala took the form of a raven to
guide the country’s unifier Zhabdrung to Bhutan.
Raven (local name jarog) lent its name and features
to the crawn of the King of Bhutan.
National
Animal:
Takin locally called "Dong Gyem Tsey" is
chosen as a national animal because of its
uniqueness and its strong association with the
country’s religious history and mythology. It is a
clumsy heavy animal similar to gnu and musk ox. It
lives in flocks in places 4000m high and feeds on
bamboo. It weighs as much as 250 kgs.
National
Language:
The National Language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
National Day:
The 17th December is celebrated as National Day of
Bhutan in commemoration of the accession of The
First King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk to the
throne in 1907 at Punakha Dzong.
National
Anthem:
(It became official in 1966 as roughly
translated as:-)
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom adorned with
sandalwood,
The protector who guards the teachings of dual
system,
He, the precious and the glorious ruler, causes
dominion to spread,
While his unchanging person abides in consistency,
As the doctrine of the lord Buddha flourishes,
May the sun and peace of happiness shine on the
people.
National
Sport:
Archery, the national sport is played
practically all year. Being a vital part of all
festivities it is usually accompanied by a banquet.
Spectators marvel at the dexterity of the Bhutanese
and gasp at other members of a team who stand close
to the target and sidestep the flying arrows with
amazing speed.
Bows and arrows are made of special kind of bamboos.
Two painted wooden targets 30 by 120cms are placed
at each end of the range which measures 120m in
length. The targets are used alternately. Two teams
of 11 archers compete, each man shooting two arrows.
The first team to get 33 points wins the match.
There are three sets and the method of scoring is
complicated because arrows landing within an arrow’s
length of the target also counts.
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