Nepali Flag: The symbols and values

By Smita Poudel

http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=315048&rel_no=1

A flag is the symbol of nationality, national unity, and pride of a nation. Almost all of them are rectangular or square. The flag of Nepal, however, is of unique appearance. This is particularly because of its shape and the symbols used.

The flag is formed by two triangles, one stacked upon and slightly overlapping the other, as if joined together on one side. The surface is dark red and the edge is blue.In the top triangle is a crescent moon; the sun is in the lower triangle. The sun and moon both are white.The flag’s origin is fully religious and has a Vedic or ancient significance. It is not the outcome of any political movement. In fact, the triangular flag is the archeological heritage of the Aryans. It has a very important place in Eastern culture and civilization. The triangular flag, or Dhoja, can be seen in temples, where it is worshipped. The flag is actually a symbol of extreme faith.

The shape of the current flag was determined at the very beginning of the history of modern Nepal, and the credit for it goes to King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Above the crescent moon in the top triangle are eight small triangles in what looks like a smaller version of the sun partially eclipsed by the moon. The moon has been used as the symbol of Elixir and is believed to give eternal life. Every religious ritual is done according to the waxing and waning of the moon. The moon even reflects the peaceful and friendly attitude of the Nepali people.

The sun in the lower part has 12 triangles altogether. The sun is the heavenly symbol of fire. It is even the symbol of life because it provides the heat necessary for living beings. It soaks up the water and gives it back in the form of rain, making food production possible on earth. According to the Hindu religion, Sun is one of the Dev or Gods among five Gods or the Panchadev (“pancha” means five and “dev” means god). The history of the worship of the sun is connected with ancient Vedic rituals. Even the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 months are related to the movement of the sun.

The sun is taken as the head of the planets and a symbol of the soul. Similarly, the moon is taken as the head of the asteroids and a symbol of the heart. The sun even symbolizes eternal light.

The colors used in the flag also have religious and emotional significance. Red symbolizes closeness and blue symbolizes distance, whereas white symbolizes neutrality. Red is related to fire and blood, and blue is related to the vast sky and deep sea. Red is the symbol of extreme heat; blue is the symbol of extreme cold. It seems quite meaningful that the sun, the moon, and the blue and red colors are used together. Red symbolizes bravery. It shows that the Nepalese are brave by birth. It is even the symbol of good luck in Hinduism. Blue symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, honesty, tranquility, and peace.

Red has the quality of arousing love, enthusiasm, and energy to the soul. It is even believed that red is the first color used by human beings. Red is used in the Nepali flag to reveal our brave history.

In fact, the flag has always remained as the symbol of national unity, bravery, and the cultural and religious faith of the Nepalese people.

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