WE WANT YOU TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MONGOLIA

NINE STATE SYMBOLS
For centuries, Mongolians have honoured the nine state symbols:
1. The long-sighted black flag, to dispirit the enemy:
2. The loud red horn, respect to all;
3. The strong golden arrow, guarding the motherland;
4. The splendid yellow umbrella: raised as Khans;
5. The diamond sword, serving the state;
6. The sturdy golden saddle, riding comfortably;
7. Protective heavy belt-symbol of acquiring merit;
8. The high seat, the throne
9. The reliable paladins for friendship.

WHAT DO COLOURS SIGNIFY?
Colours play an important symbolic role in Mongolian life. Their folk arts and ethnographic monuments show that since long ago, of the seven colours in the spectrum, Mongolians prefer white, blue and red.
White signifies the beginning, the source. For instance, the first month of new year is called the White Month (Tsagaan Sar). White stands for honesty, truth, kindness and holiness.
Black is just the opposite, symbolizing misfortune, disaster, threat and treason. This colour often signifies being lonely or poor.
Blue is the colour of the sky and symbolizes eternity, consistency and loyalty. Mongolians called their first independent state in the 13th century 'blue', and called themselves the 'blue people.'
Red is considered the colour of joy, and symbolizes happiness, victory and hospitality. In folk art, red symbolizes all that is lofty and beautiful. In the olden days, girls put red ribbons in their hair as sign of innocence and young.
Yellow is one of the most admired colours. Government documents used to be written on yellow paper or yellow silk to indicate their importance. As the colour of gold, the word for gold (altan) was often added to expressions like 'native land' and 'vast steppe.'
Red, blue, yellow, green and white predominate on painted household utensils, monastery walls etc. Windows, doors and pillars were usually red, ceiling beams were blue or green, and the ceiling itself was golden brown or green. Most household utensils were red with gold trimming.
The most popular clothing colours were white, blue, red and green. These favourite colours are used in the traditional symbols of the state: the flag, the emblem and the designs of national awards and even the currency.
The state emblem, the Soyombo, is also executed in a golden colour. The main colours of the national flag are red and blue. (to be continued)