Historically, blue has been associated with the Mongolian people as a symbol of the open skies under which they traveled throughout Central Asia. Mongolia also has frequently utilized yellow in its flags, as a symbol of the Dge-lugs-pa (Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism), which was popularized there in the 16th century. In 1911, when the modern Mongolian state was first established, its yellow flag bore in the centre in blue a traditional emblem known as the soyombo (or soyonbo). This consists of figures (flame, sun, moon, yin-yang, triangles, and bars) representing philosophical principles inherent in Mongolian culture and religion. Below the soyombo was a lotus blossom, symbol of purity.
In 1921 a communist government came to power and introduced the Red Banner, but the 1911 flag was restored in 1924. During World War II, Mongolia adopted a flag (1940–45) resembling those of member states in the Soviet Union, which it seemed Mongolia was likely to join. In 1945, however, the soyombo of the 1924–40 flag was shifted toward the hoist and represented in yellow for greater visibility; the lotus was removed and, above the soyombo, the usual communist star was added. The red background was replaced by equal bars of red-blue-red, symbolizing communism and Mongol nationalism. That flag continued in use after the overthrow of the communist regime until February 12, 1992. The only change made in the flag at that time was the removal of the yellow five-pointed star, which no longer reflected political realities.
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Mongolia
Mongolia , country located in north-central Asia. It is roughly oval in shape, measuring 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west to east and, at its maximum, 782 miles (1,259 km) from north to south. Mongolia’s land area is roughly equivalent to that of the countries of western and… -
Dge-lugs-pa
Dge-lugs-pa , since the 17th century, the predominant Buddhist order in Tibet and the sect of the Dalai and Paṇchen lamas. The Dge-lugs-pa sect was founded in the late 14th century by Tsong-kha-pa, who was himself a member of the… -
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism , branch of Vajrayana (Tantric, or Esoteric) Buddhism that evolved from the 7th centuryce in Tibet. It is based mainly on the rigorous intellectual disciplines of Madhyamika and Yogachara philosophy and utilizes the Tantric ritual practices that developed in Central Asia and particularly in… -
World War II
World War II , conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan—and the Allies—France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China. The war was…