SRI LANKA ~Flag~

Two flag postcards received today... never knew that all the symbols on a flag could mean so much...very interesting...Thanks again Ravindra!!


With lovely stamp:
Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary stamp
(Issued 07-06-2013)

The Golden Lion in the flag represents the Sinhalese race.
The sword of the lion represents the Royalty and the sovereignty of the country.
The noble eight fold path of Buddhism is signified by the lion's tail.
Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.
The beard denotes purity of words.
The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.
The nose indicates intelligence.
The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.
The vertical stripe of orange represent the minority Tamil race and the green vertical stripe the minority Muslim race.
The border round the flag, which is yellow in color, represents other minor races.
The bo-leaves at the four corners of the flag represent Buddhism and it's influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues - Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity.
The maroon colored portion of the flag manifests the other minor religions