Flag of Mongolia Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
Mongolia Flag History
Mongolia’s flag has undergone modifications multiple times over history. When Mongolia declared independence in 1911, it adopted its first flag, which included a yellow background with a blue soyombo symbol signifying philosophical values. A communist administration may have used a red banner from 1921 to 1924, but the 1911 version with the soyombo was reintroduced in 1924.
Mongolia momentarily adopted a flag with Soviet influences during World War II (1940–1945). The lotus was removed, a communist star was added, the soyombo was moved to the hoist, yellow was used for visibility, and the background was changed to equal red and blue bars in 1945.
In 1992, the communist government was overthrown, and Mongolia adopted the present flag. It has a red-blue-red tricolor with the soyombo symbol (a red band on the hoist side) that features the motifs of flame, sun, moon, yin-yang, triangles, and bars. The yellow star was eliminated, and the lotus was left out in order to be true to Mongolia’s historical and cultural traditions while also adapting to the country’s changing political climate.
II
Mongolia First vs Present-Day Flag
The first flag design of Mongolia, adopted in 1911 upon its declaration of independence, featured a yellow field with a blue Soyombo emblem in the center. The Soyombo emblem represented philosophical principles in Mongolian culture and included symbols such as a flame, sun, moon, yin-yang, triangles, and bars, along with a lotus blossom symbolizing purity.
Mongolia’s current flag is red-blue-red with the Soyombo emblem in the red band on the hoist side. It was adopted in 1992, removing the yellow star and lotus blossom from the communist era flag. The Soyombo emblem symbolizes Mongolian culture and heritage.
III
Designer of Mongolia Flag
The first flag of Mongolia was designed in 1911, the year of the country’s declaration of independence. The designer is not identified specifically, and historical records does not clearly name them. The political and cultural climate of the day probably had an impact on the collective effort that went into the design.
Regarding the current Mongolian flag which was approved on February 12, 1992, the published archives hardly identify any individual designer. National flags are frequently the product of committees or group efforts, and individual designers aren’t usually given public recognition for their work.
IV
Symbolic Meaning of Mongolia Flag Design
The flag of Mongolia is rich in symbolic meaning, encompassing design, colors, and figures.
Design
- The vertical tricolor Mongolian flag has three equal stripes of red, blue, and red. The leftmost red stripe is venue to the Soyombo, the nation’s symbol.
Colors
- Red: represents wealth and advancement. It symbolizes the Mongolian people’s success and energy.
- Blue: symbolizes the everlasting blue sky, which is an important and highly esteemed element of Mongolian culture.
- Yellow: the yellow color on Mongolia’s flag represents wisdom, compassion, and the Middle Way, reflecting the country’s Buddhist heritage.
Figures
Soyombo: An emblem of strength, liberty, and unity, the Soyombo is a traditional Mongolian design made up of these figures:
- Flame: represents prosperity, progress, and achievement.
- The sun and moon: symbolize the cosmos and the infinite, repeating cycles of time.
- Yin-Yang: represents the balance and dualism of opposing forces found in nature.
- Triangles and bars: express the dynamic energies of the universe and nature.
V
Mongolia Flag Symbolic Importance
Mongolia’s flag, which captures the nation’s rich cultural, historical, and philosophical legacy, is extremely meaningful to the nation. The colors red, blue, and yellow stand for development, the never-ending blue sky, and spiritual principles influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, in that order. The Soyombo symbol represents ideas that are fundamental to Mongolian culture.
The nation’s transition from independence to democracy is reflected in the flag’s design, which has changed throughout time. It serves as a uniting symbol that strengthens the sense of national identity among Mongolians and links them to their rich historical heritage while emulating the principles they hold dear today.
VI
Mongolia Flag Raising Ceremony
In Mongolia, flag-raising ceremonies are held at official venues, such as government buildings, on important national holidays. Participants in the ceremonies include military troops and government figures. The flag is ceremoniously raised quickly during the ceremony to represent national sovereignty. The Mongolian national hymn, “Монгол улсын тɩрийн дуулaл” (Mongol ulsyn töríin dúúlal), is performed to accompany this. When the flag is raised, attendees usually stand at attention, and military personnel may salute. Taking off their hats, keeping their distance, and not being disruptive are ways that spectators demonstrate their respect. The national anthem’s participation gives the celebration a patriotic touch, highlighting its importance and promoting a sense of pride and unanimity among the country’s citizens.
When a major person is honored, or rather, a national mourning for a sad incident, the Mongolian flag is flown at half-mast. A formal announcement is made when the flag is to be lowered. The flag is raised at its height, lowered gradually halfway down, and then raised to full mast in accordance with official proclamations. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, half-mast may be flown for a certain number of days or until the end of the mourning period. People are supposed to act somberly and respectfully at this time, and as a sign of respect, festivities and celebrations are usually scaled back.
VII
Mongolia Flag Rules and Etiquette
Flag rules and etiquette for the flag of Mongolia are essential to upholding the dignity and respect associated with the national symbol. While specific regulations may be outlined in official documents, general flag etiquette guidelines typically include:
- Proper Display: Display Mongolia’s flag with pride, prominently, and on the viewer’s left when with other flags.
- Hoisting and Lowering: Raising and lowering the flag should be done respectfully and swiftly. Traditionally, the flag is flown at dawn and lowered at dusk, unless the flagpole is lit up at night.
- Respectful Treatment: The flag ought to be respected as an expression of pride as a country. It must never come into contact with the earth or anything underneath it.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Maintain the flag’s cleanliness and quality. If it gets worn out or broken, replace it or dispose of it respectfully.
- Flag Size and Ratio: To preserve its proper look, the flag’s size and proportions must meet regulatory requirements.
- Use in Parades: The flag should always be flown in a procession having the marchers on the right side. Traditionally, as the flag is passed, onlookers stand in reverence.
VIII
Traditional Mongolia Flag Display Customs
Traditional display practices and customs for the flag of Mongolia often reflect the cultural nuances and historical significance unique to the nation.
- Ger (Yurt) Placement: The flag may be flown in front of a ger (a traditional Mongolian yurt) in a nomadic or rural area to represent the relationship between individuals, their homeland, and their cultural legacy.
- Naadam Festival: Mongolia prominently displays its flag during the Naadam Festival, a celebration of the “Three Manly Games” of archery, horse racing, and wrestling.
- Ceremonial Placement in Nomadic Culture: In nomadic societies, the flag serves as a symbol of unification among the populace and may be utilized as a ceremonial marker at significant occasions or meetings.
IX
Mongolia Flag Trivia
During the World War II era (1940–1945), the Soyombo insignia was modified in a unique way. It was moved toward the hoist and rendered in yellow to improve visibility. There was a notion at the time that Mongolia would join the Soviet Union. Therefore, this alteration was made to make it more in line with the flags of other Soviet member nations.
Although flags are frequently altered during times of war, this particular historical account of the WWII flag’s modification for visibility may be less well-known than other facets of the flag’s significance and background.
X
Mongolia Flag in Legends and Mythology
The Soyombo emblem has particular meaning in the flag of Mongolia, which has an intriguing past steeped in myths and tales. According to legend, Genghis Khan prayed for direction when faced with a huge dominion and created the flag. A heavenly blue scarf with the antiquated Soyombo emblem on it was said to have fallen from heaven. This celestial occurrence served as inspiration for Genghis Khan, who created a banner that represented the Mongol Empire’s nomadic tribes’ sovereignty and togetherness. There are differences in the mythology, but both city people and herders who go by caravan hold it in high regard. Historians claim that the Soyombo idea originated in ancient Turkic and Chinese sources, but the present flag was first used in 1921. Nonetheless, there are historical precedents from the 17th century.
