The flag of Bhutan is a striking and distinctive design that reflects the country’s unique cultural heritage and its spiritual traditions. It was officially adopted in 1969, although its origins date back earlier in Bhutan’s history.
Design and Elements
- Diagonal Division: The flag is divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner to the upper fly-side corner, creating two triangular fields.
- Upper Yellow Triangle: Occupies the upper part of the flag.
- Lower Orange Triangle: Occupies the lower part of the flag.
- White Dragon (Druk): Positioned along the dividing line between the two triangles, facing the fly side. The dragon is white, symbolizing purity and the harmonious nature of the people. It holds jewels in its claws, representing the country’s wealth and security.
Symbolism
- Yellow: Represents the secular authority of the king (the Druk Gyalpo) and the civil tradition, symbolizing the importance of the monarchy in Bhutan.
- Orange: Reflects the spiritual practice and Buddhist traditions of Bhutan, particularly the Drukpa Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
- White Dragon (Druk): The dragon is an emblem of the country itself, often referred to as “Druk Yul” or “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The dragon’s snarling expression symbolizes the strength of the people of Bhutan, and the jewels it holds represent the nation’s wealth and security.
Proportions
- The flag has a 2:3 ratio, a standard proportion for national flags.
Historical Context
- The flag’s design was inspired by the traditional Tibetan religious symbolism, reflecting Bhutan’s deep connection to its spiritual heritage.
- The current design evolved in the 20th century, with the white dragon being added to signify the nation, blending the country’s spiritual and secular dimensions into a single national symbol.
The flag of Bhutan is one of the most distinctive national flags in the world, capturing the essence of Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and the role of the monarchy in a visually powerful and meaningful design.
