Flag of Mongolia

The flag of Mongolia consists of three vertical stripes: red, blue, and red. On the red stripe on the left is the Soyombo symbol. The first flag of Mongolia with a design similar to the current one was adopted on June 10, 1945. It lasted until January 12, 1992, when the current flag of Mongolia was adopted. The difference between the current flag and the 1945-1922 design is the absence of the communist star above the Sooyoungbos symbol. The flag took its final form on July 8, 2011, when the flag colors were officially standardized.

What do the three colors of the Mongolian flag symbolize?

The central blue stripe symbolizes the blue sky, which is a key element of Mongolian culture. This color conveys the meaning of purity and peace. In Mongolian shamanic beliefs, the blue sky is revered and considered the abode of a celestial deity. In Buddhism, it is associated with heaven, purity and healing. Blue prayer flags can often be found throughout Mongolia. Locals may hand a blue flag to a tourist as a unique gesture to express their prayers for you.

The red stripes on both sides of the Mongolian flag symbolize freedom, prosperity and progress. This color, often associated with strength, courage and shed blood, reflects the resilience of the Mongolian people. Because of red's association with socialism, the communists were probably happy to have it remain on the Mongolian flag from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Together, blue and red symbolize freedom and growth.

The golden color of the Soyombo symbol represents the sun, moon, and fire, which symbolizes eternal growth, rebirth, and renewal. The gold on the Mongolian flag also indicates the richness of the country's spirituality and cultural heritage.

Symbolism of the Mongolian flag. What does Soimbo mean?

The flag of Mongolia has the Soyombo symbol, which consists of several different shapes: flames, the sun, the moon, the yin-yang symbol, two triangles, horizontal and vertical rectangles. This symbol is a national symbol, so it is also present on the country's coat of arms. In addition, it is part of the Soyombo script developed by the Mongolian monk and teacher Zanabadzar in 1686.

Each part of the Soyombo symbol has its own meaning:

• The eternal flame is a universal symbol of progress and prosperity, and its three tongues represent the past, present and future; 
• the sun and moon are a symbol of the eternal existence of the Mongolian nation; 
• two triangles pointing downward, in the form of an arrow or spear, symbolize the defeat of enemies;
• horizontal rectangles express the honesty, justice and openness of the Mongolian people, regardless of their status in society; 
• vertical rectangles represent the walls of the fortress and symbolize strength, unity and solidarity;
• yin-yang symbolizes vigilance, as it is believed to be the symbol of two fish that never close their eyes. It is also a symbol of the opposition and complementarity between men and women.

So, what does the flag of Mongolia mean?

The red stripe, at first glance, indicates that Mongolia is a communist country. But in the modern context, it speaks of progress and freedom. The blue color is a symbol of the sky - purity and peace. Sooyombo serves as both a personal and national symbol for many people. The fire symbolizes prosperity and a new beginning, and the three flames represent the past, present, and future. Other symbolism makes it clear that the people of Mongolia are honest, fair, open, strong and united.

History of the Mongolian flag

Until the 20th century, Mongolia used a flag with religious symbols. However, when the country became independent from China, it introduced flags with traditional symbols, which signified the emergence of a clear identity.

During the time of the Mongolian People's Republic, starting in 1924, the flag underwent significant changes to represent the new socialist government. During this period, the Soyombo symbol appeared, combining national identity with socialist ideals. Therefore, the flag was a red cloth with a golden Soyombo symbol in the center.

Then, from 1930 to 1940, there were three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue, and red with a circle in the center and the golden Soyombo symbol inside the circle.

The flag of 1940-1945 was a red field with the country's coat of arms in the center. Starting in 1945, the familiar flag design appeared: three vertical stripes of red, blue, and red and the Soyombo symbol, which until 1992 still had a communist star above it.

The flag got its final look on July 8, 2011, when the colors of the flag were officially standardized.