About Bhutan
Symbolism in the Bhutanese Flag
A Representation of National Identity
The national flag of Bhutan is laden with symbolism. The white color of the dragon signifies purity, while yellow represents the Kings of Bhutan, and orange embodies the Buddhist tradition. The jewelry held by the dragon symbolizes the wealth and security of Bhutan. Overall, the flag embodies nationalism, rebellion, and everything in between.
Archery in Bhutan
More Than Just a Sport, a Cultural Tradition
Archery holds a special place in Bhutan as the national and most popular sport. It is deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture, with the bow and arrow featuring prominently in myths and legends. Archery is not just a sport but also a social event, often accompanied by cheerleading, singing, and dancing during religious and secular holidays.
The Emblem of Bhutan
A Tapestry of Buddhist Symbolism
The national emblem of Bhutan, adorned with Buddhist symbolism, features a double diamond thunderbolt placed on a lotus flower, crowned with precious stones, and framed by two dragons. It symbolizes the harmony of secular and religious power, purity, and the government’s authority. The raven, depicted on the royal crowns, represents the deity Jarog Dongchen, believed to lead and unify Bhutan.
The Takin
Bhutan's Mythical National Animal
The Takin, with its unique appearance blending a goat’s head and a cow’s body, holds the title of Bhutan’s national animal. Legend has it that it was created by the Tibetan saint lama Drukpa Kunley. The blue poppy, discovered in 1933, was declared the national flower due to its rarity and unique blue blood. Cypress, the national tree, symbolizes bravery and simplicity, thriving in Bhutan’s rugged terrain.
The Blue Poppy
Bhutan's Rare Floral Emblem
The blue poppy, declared as the national flower of Bhutan in the early 1990s, is a rare and striking plant that takes two to three years to grow from seeds. What makes it unique is the presence of blue-hued sap, giving it the nickname “blue blood.” Growing up to one meter in height, this flower thrives in higher altitudes and was first discovered in 1933 by British Botanist George Sherriff in the remote region of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan.
Cypress Tree
The Emblematic Tree of Bhutan's Courage and Resilience
As for the national tree, Bhutan proudly claims the cypress, a resilient and resource-rich species found abundantly near temples and throughout the kingdom’s temperate zones, ranging between 1800 and 3500 meters in altitude. Renowned for its ability to thrive in rugged terrain, the cypress symbolizes bravery and simplicity, earning Bhutan the moniker “Tsenden Jong” or “Land of Cypress.”
