The Unique National Identities of Bhutan

The National Identities are very unique for every nation and is one perfect tool to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Like in many other nations, Bhutan, the Himalayan Kingdom lying between the two giant nations China to the north and India to the south has very unique and beautiful national identities. Bhutan has been enjoying peace and prosperity and has been never colonized. Thanks to our great leaders and our bold ancestors, Bhutan with handful of population fought their battles in north and south to safeguard its small nation. One very strong tool that Bhutan used was her unique national identities that every single Bhutanese took pride in preserving it. Still to this day, the preservation and promotion of our unique national identities are given the highest priority among other developmental activities. Here are some of the Bhutan's Unique National Identities: 

1.  National Day: Bhutan, a small nation was then ruled by many different petty rulers and people were never united in peace until a brave and courageous leader Sir Ugyen Wangchuck came to the throne on 17th December 1907. The people of Bhutan came together and enthroned Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary Monarch of Bhutan. Since then the day 17th December has been celebrated as the National Day of Bhutan. A day to pay respect and tribute to our great leaders and ancestors. In 2014 December 17, Bhutan celebrated her 107th National Day.  

2.  National Flag: Bhutan National flag is rectangular and is composed of two colors, yellow and orange. In the middle it has a dragon facing outward which symbolizes the name Druk (Bhutan). 

3.   National Anthem: The national anthem of Bhutan consists of six lines in our own national language. It can be lightly translated as “In the country, Bhutan adorned with cypress, The Protector who reigns over the realm of spiritual and secular traditions, He is the King of Bhutan, the precious sovereign. May His being remain unchanging, and the Kingdom prosper, May the teachings of Buddha flourish and may the rays of happiness shine over the people"

4. National Emblem: It is circular. Inside the circle there are two vajras intersecting each other above the lotus enclosed by male and female dragons. Above all is a wish fulfilling jewel and each component of the emblem has its own significance. The emblem is used on official documents and official sites.

5.   National Language: Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan. It was originally spoken by the people of western Bhutan. There are about 34 dialects in Bhutan out of which Dzongkha is the National Language of Bhutan. It is taught in schools starting from pre-primary education till the degree level, both in writing and speaking. Almost more than 80-90% of Bhutanese can understand and speak Dzongkha. 

6.  National Dress: Bhutan has a unique national dress. There many different kinds of dresses people wear in Bhutan in different parts of the country but one has been identified as the National Dress of Bhutan. It is not like a pants and shirts like in many other nations. For boys it is called as Gho and for Girls it is called as Kira. Gho is worn like an over jacket but it is tied at knee length with a belt. Kira is also tied at the waist with the help of belt and is at the length of an ankle. Girls also wear wonju from inside and tego from outside. The dresses are very beautiful and are designed with beautiful flowers with many different patterns. 

7.   National Tree: Cypress (Cupressus torolusa) is the national tree of Bhutan. It has a spiritual connection with Bhutanese and is considered sacred. It is mainly grown near temples and Dzongs and is also used to offer to Gods. The tree grows tall and is dark green.  

8. National Flower: Blue Poppy (Meconopsis horridula), a blue colored flower that grows at higher altitude is a national flower of Bhutan. It grows to a height of one meter and is very beautiful. 

9.   National Animal: Takin (Burdorcas taxicolor) is a national animal of Bhutan. It is a very unique animal with a head of a goat and a body of a cow (For story: Read my article '10 places you not miss in Thimphu'). The animals are mostly seen on high altitudes but are also reared in a Takin zoo in Thimphu. 

10. National Bird: Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus) is the national bird of Bhutan. The royal crown also has the head of raven which also symbolizes the protecting deity of Bhutan. The bird is black in color and is mostly seen in higher altitude around Dzongs and Monasteries. 

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