Dragons on the front of the National Stadium’s Front Gate in Thimphu, Bhutan.

In Bhutan, the dragon, or druk, is a mythical animal that symbolizes the country’s culture, monarchy, and mythology. It is often painted on houses and public buildings. It is also featured prominently on the national flag. The dragon represents many things, including:

• The name of the country: Bhutan is known as Druk Yul, which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.  
• National guardian: The dragon is the symbolic guardian of Bhutan, protecting the country from harm and outside forces.  
• Wealth and prosperity: The dragon holds jewels in its claws, which represent Bhutan’s wealth and prosperity.  
• Purity: The dragon on the flag is white, which symbolizes purity and the loyalty of Bhutan’s ethnic groups.  
• Enlightenment: Artists from the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition use the dragon as a symbol of enlightenment.  
• Power, creativity, and good fortune: Dragons are thought to symbolize power, creativity, and good fortune.  
• Authority over the elements: Dragons are thought to have authority over bodies of water, rain, floods, and storms.

November 2024, Thimphu, Bhutan.