The Bhutanese Flag: The Thunder Dragon

The national flag of Bhutan, known as Thongdroel in Dzongkha, is one of the most distinctive and symbolic national flags in the world. It features a white dragon on a diagonally divided background, representing the country's name, "Druk Yul" or "Land of the Thunder Dragon."

History

The current design of the Bhutanese flag was officially adopted on June 8, 1972. However, its origins date back much further:

Bhutan has used variations of the dragon flag since the 12th century.
The modern design was introduced in 1949 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji during the signing of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty.
In 1956, the National Assembly formally adopted a version of this flag.
The final standardization of colors and proportions occurred in 1972.

Design and Symbolism

The Bhutanese flag is divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner, with the upper triangle yellow and the lower triangle orange. In the center is a large white dragon facing away from the hoist side.

The white dragon represents the name of the country, Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon).
The dragon holds jewels in its claws, symbolizing the wealth and perfection of the country.
The yellow half represents the secular authority of the King of Bhutan.
The orange half represents the Buddhist spiritual tradition of Bhutan.
The white color of the dragon embodies the purity of inner thoughts and deeds.

Cultural Significance

The flag of Bhutan holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Bhutanese people:

It's a symbol of Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.
The flag represents the dual system of government, balancing secular and religious powers.
It's prominently displayed during national celebrations and religious festivals.
The dragon motif is deeply rooted in Bhutanese folklore and Buddhist traditions.

Interesting Facts

Bhutan's flag is one of the few national flags that doesn't use the standard 1:2 ratio, instead having a unique 3:2 ratio.
The dragon on the flag changes colors with the seasons: white in winter, green in spring, red in summer, and yellow in autumn.
The flag is sometimes referred to as "The Thunder Dragon" due to its central motif.

The Bhutanese flag continues to be a powerful symbol of national identity, representing the country's unique culture, Buddhist heritage, and commitment to maintaining its sovereignty in a rapidly changing world.

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