It’s a question that must be asked in a trivia bar: What is the only national flag in the world that isn’t square or rectangular?
The answer is Nepal.
But apart from the strange shape The flag of Nepal is also quite mysterious. This flag represents the movement of heaven, modern nation building, Buddhist and Hindu heritage, the pride of Asians, political maneuvering, or a combination of some things, depends on who you ask. The flag’s precise measurements and geometric design are outlined in Nepal’s constitution, which further emphasizes the importance of its unique design and symbolism.
This flag is easily visible among fellow countrymen. It consists of two dark red, equilateral, right-pointing triangles decorated with navy blue and two white borders representing the sun (bottom half) and moon (top).
“That size, one penny and double penny. It is not unique to Nepal. It has a long and deep history in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent,” explains Sanjog Rupakheti, professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts and a Nepalese. “We are taught in school from childhood that the sun and moon represent the eternity of a country. The triangle supposedly represents the mountains (Himalayas) that Nepal is famous for. As a historian, I think it would be a better and more convincing explanation if these symbols were seen to represent these legendary, ancient, and famous dynasties. After which many high-ranking leaders in the region tended to shape their genealogies.
Some believe that the color red refers to the national flower of Nepal, which is rhododendron, while others It is said that it is a symbol of war and courage. Rupakheti is quick to point out that even Nepali historians aren’t sure about the full story behind the national flag.
Weaving history
One of the earliest depictions of the flag comes from a painting by Henry Ambrose Oldfield, an English physician and artist living in Nepal in the mid-1800s. British journalist and travel writer Perceval Landon also mentioned the double pennon in his 1928 book “Nepal.”.
Although Landon’s picture of the flag is black and white, he did have a footnote to clarify that the edge of the flag was green, not blue.
Previous versions of the flag, including those drawn by Landon represents the human faces of the sun and moon.
Before the establishment of democracy in Nepal—originally in 1990 and again in 2008—the flag was prohibited from being displayed in the homes of most Nepalis.
“The national flag can only be unfurled and displayed in government offices,” Rupakheti explained. “There are very strict guidelines. It’s not just about size and quantity. But it also includes when, how, and by whom the flag will be displayed. But that gradually began to change with the opening of the democratic experiment. And now it’s everywhere.”
The Nepal flag is popular among flag fanatics. Self-described veterinarian Ted Kay, secretary general of the North American Veterinary Association (NAVA), said the flag’s history and shape have made it a common topic of conversation.
“The map and flag have an interesting cultural and geographic overlap,” Kaye said. “The rest of Asia has abandoned the colonial approach that flags should be rectangular. But Nepal is an anchor related to the historic flag of Asia.”
Trivia enthusiasts might be interested in the non-square flag of Nepal. However, mathematicians also study this flag.
“It’s the nerdiest math flag there is,” Kaye added. In 1962, King Mahendra asked mathematicians to develop precise specifications for the size and shape of the Nepal flag that would be used to standardize the flag. Those provisions are enshrined in Nepal’s constitution.
Among the rules
The sun must have 12 rays. The sun and moon must be white. and the border color is specified as “dark blue” for the rest. It may take advanced knowledge of geometry to make sure you get it right. The unusual shape of Nepal’s flag also poses a challenge at international events. The Olympics required all flags to be displayed in a 2×3 ratio, which resulted in some flags unfolding strangely.
Although some Olympic organizers in the past have tried to standardize the Nepal flag with a white square background, the IOC has decided that the Nepal flag will remain the same. Nepal is another glorious exception to this rule.
In conclusion, Nepal’s flag is a distinctive and deeply symbolic emblem, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage, geographical features, and historical significance. Its non-rectangular shape, featuring two stacked triangles, stands out globally, and its crimson color, coupled with the sun and moon symbols, carries meanings of strength, eternity, and peacefulness. The flag not only represents Nepal’s natural beauty, particularly the Himalayas, but also its ties to ancient dynasties and spiritual traditions. Despite its unique design causing challenges in international settings, Nepal’s flag remains a proud symbol of the nation’s identity and its enduring cultural legacy.
