Soyombo symbol

Soyombo symbol on the gate of the Government Palace in Ulaanbaatar

The Soyombo symbol is a special character out of the Mongolian Soyombo script that was invented by Zanabazar in 1686. The name Soyombo is derived from the Sanskrit word Svayambhu (meaning "created out of itself"). It serves as a national symbol of Mongolia, to be found on the Flag of Mongolia, the Coat of arms of Mongolia, and on many other official documents.

In the Soyombo script, the two variations of the Soyombo symbol are used to mark the start and end of a text. It is thought to be possible that the symbol itself may predate the script.

Symbolism

The elements in the symbol are given the following significance (from top):

Fire is a general symbol of eternal growth, wealth, and success. The three tongues of the flame represent the past, present, and future.
Sun and moon symbolise that the Mongolian nation will exist for eternity as the eternal blue sky. Mongolian symbol of the sun, moon and fire derived from the Xiongnu.
The two triangles allude to the point of an arrow or spear. They point downward to announce the defeat of interior and exterior enemies.
The two horizontal rectangles give stability to the round shape. The rectangular shape represents the honesty and justice of the people of Mongolia, whether they stand at the top or at the bottom of society.
The arga-bilge (Yin-yang) symbol illustrates the mutual complement of man and woman. In socialist times, it was alternatively interpreted as two fish symbolizing vigilance, because fish never close their eyes.
The two vertical rectangles can be interpreted as the walls of a fort. They represent unity and strength, relating to a Mongolian proverb: "The friendship of two is stronger than stone walls."^[1]

Uses

The two variants of the Soyombo symbol

The Soyombo symbol has appeared on the national Flag of Mongolia since 1911 (except between 1921 and 1924). It served as Coat of arms of Mongolia from 1924 to 1940, and was included in the design again in 1992. Mongolian Armed Forces vehicles bear the symbol as a marking.

The symbol is seen all over the country, especially on a hillside outside of Ulaanbaatar.

The flag and coat of arms of the Buryat Republic as well as the flag of the Agin-Buryat Okrug in Russia, and that of the Inner Mongolian People's Party display the top elements (Flame, Sun, and Moon).