Political Flag Day in Mongolia 2023: Date, History, Facts about Soyombo

Political Flag Day is annually observed on July 10. State Flag Day is the most important national festival in Mongolia. It is commemorated by government-sponsored events such as a military parade and a flag-raising ceremony on Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city.

The background of Political Flag Day

The modern Mongolian ensign is composed of various components. The blue colour stripe signifies the sky, while the red bands signify Mongolia’s strength. The golden Soyombo symbol is positioned in the red region closest to the flagpole. Other shapes within the Soyombo represent fire, the golden sun and moon on Xiongnu, the yin and yang symbol, two triangles, two horizontal rectangles, and two vertical rectangles. This symbol not only appears on the national emblem, but is also a symbol of the Mongolian People’s Army.

At the 43rd Meeting of the State Little Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic on June 10, 1945, the leader of Mongolia, Khorloogiin Choibalsan, ordered the revision of the provisions of the “Law on the Design and Composition of the State Flag.” In 2008, three members of the State Great Khural passed a law instituting this day as a result. It was commemorated the following year, in 2009, during the inauguration of President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

Also commemorated on this day are the Mongol Empire and Mongolian Statehood, the establishment of the Bogd Khanate during the Qing dynasty, the People’s Revolution of 1921, and the Democratic Revolution of 1990. On July 11, it coincides with Naadam, a national festival centred on the three traditional sports of archery, horse racing, and wrestling.

The day’s most significant event is the annual military parade of the Mongolian Armed Forces. Since 2009, it has been conducted annually in the southern portion of Sükhbaatar Square, with the president of Mongolia serving as commander-in-chief.

5 ELEMENTS OF THE SOYOMBO EXPLAINED

Fire

Fire represents eternal growth, and the three streams of the flame represent the past, present, and future, respectively.

Moon and Sun

This represents the eternal existence of the Mongolian nation.

Triangles

The two shapes are the tips of an arrow or spear, pointing downwards to represent the subjugation of foes.

Horizontal triangles

The two shapes provide stability and symbolise the integrity of the Mongolian people, regardless of their position in society.

Yin yang symbol

It depicts two opposing poles and was once believed to be two fish representing vigilance because fish never close their eyes.

POLITICAL FLAG DAY DATES