Soyombo

The soyombo is the national symbol of Mongolia, used on the Mongolian flag and on the state seal as a symbol of freedom and independence since Mongolia's de facto independence from China in 1911 . The soyombo itself dates back to the 18th century, when O'ndo'r Gegeen Zanabazar created an alphabet of the same name, using the soyombo symbol as the first letter of his script. (cf. soyombo script.)

The three flames at the top of the figure represent prosperity in the past, present, and future; fire is also a Mongolian symbol for growth and progress. Under the flame there are a circle and crescent representing the sun and moon. The two triangles pointing downwards represent spears, symbolizing death to the enemies of the Mongolian people. The two horizontal rectangles symbolize honesty and fairness. The round arga-bilig (yin-yang) symbol in the centre is known to Mongolians as the two fish, which represent eternity as their eyes are always open. The two fish represent male and female, method and wisdom. The two vertical rectangles on either side of the soyombo represent walls, symbolizing the strength of friendship.

CategoryEncyclopaediaMongolica

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