Bhutan Flag History

By Clod Rodgers


For many centuries, the outside world had no name for Bhutan. Its lofty frontiers wrapped it in an impenetrable cloak of mystery. The Tibetan chroniclers of the 18th century referred to it by many names, including "Hidden Holy Land," The Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs," and "the Lotus Garden of the Gods." However, the Bhutanese have had a name for their own country for centuries. They still refer to their land as Druk Yul, literally meaning "The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon."

One of Bhutan’s most important and revered kings â€" Jigme Singye Wangchuck who was coronated in 1974, started controlled development. He also put a strong emphasis on the preservation of Bhutan’s unique culture and the environment. He wanted Bhutan to be economically self-reliant and introduced ‘Gross National Happiness’ to Bhutan and the world. It was also under his reign that Bhutan opened up for the world.

National Flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally with a white dragon in the center of the flag. The dragon is snarling and clutches jewels in its claws. One-half of the flag is orange representing the spiritual power in the country that is controlled chiefly by Drukpa monasteries and Buddhist religious practices. The other half of the flag is saffron yellow representing the temporal power in the country and the secular authority of the dynasty.

Bhutan is a religious nation with Buddhism as its official religion. Bhutanese people call their nation as 'Druk Yul' or 'Place where there is the Thunder Dragon'. Bhutanese trust that thunder is really the voices of the mythical serpent thundering. In this manner, the winged serpent in the center of the banner or "Druk" has a profound relationship with the nation itself.

The jewels in dragon's claws represent the wealth and prosperity of the nation. The snarling dragon represents the male and female deities who are always protecting the country, its King and the people from harm and are inimical to outside forces that are threatening them. In Bhutan, the democratic government shares its power with the King representing the monarchy.

In the late twelfth century and the start of the thirteenth century, a monastery was set up in Bhutan, which was known as the "Druk" (which means the 'Thunder Dragon') and the sect it represented was called 'Drukpas'. From that point forward, the winged serpent has ended up entwined with Bhutan. The Flag Company Inc represented considerable authority in banner outlines offered a unique release of decals and banners to retain Bhutan Flag part for the eventual fate of its nation.




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