The National Symbol Of Bolivia: A Cultural Icon Explored

Bolivia's national symbols include the llama, the Andean condor, and two national flowers: the cantuta and the patuju. The country is also represented by two flags: the national flag, and the Wiphala banner, which is a symbol of the indigenous people of the Andes. Bolivia's national anthem is Himno Nacional de Bolivia (Bolivians, a most Favorable Destiny), with music composed by Leopoldo Benedetto Vincenti and lyrics by Jose Ignacio de Sanjines.

The national flag of Bolivia

The flag was originally adopted in 1851, although it has been modified several times since. Bolivia has been through many different flag designs, especially in the years immediately following its independence from Spain in 1825. The first Bolivian national flag, adopted on 17 August 1825, featured red and green stripes with a yellow star on the red stripe, surrounded by a green wreath. A competing design from 1825–26 included five stars within wreaths. The three colours were widely used by the Aymara and Quechua peoples, who dominated the area before the Spanish conquest. The colours also have symbolic meanings: red for the valour of the army, yellow for mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land.

The Bolivian flag adopted on 25 July 1826 had horizontal stripes of yellow-red-green with a coat of arms in the centre. On 5 November 1851, the order of the stripes was changed to red-yellow-green, perhaps to increase its distinctiveness when seen from a distance. The current flag law dates from 14 July 1888. The coat of arms has been modified unofficially by the addition of a 10th star. The nine stars previously in use referred to the nine Bolivian departments, while the 10th star symbolises the valuable territory (and its outlet to the ocean) that was lost to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879–84).

The Wiphala, a multicoloured, checkered flag representing the native people of the Andes, was adopted as Bolivia's second official national flag in 2009. This decision was controversial and upset many Bolivian natives who did not want to recognise Andean culture in this way.

The Wiphala banner

The Wiphala is a square emblem used as a flag to represent the native peoples of the Andes, including Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, northwestern Argentina, and southern Colombia. In 2009, Bolivia adopted the Wiphala as its alternative flag, establishing it as a national symbol alongside the red-yellow-green tricolour. The Wiphala is a 7x7 square emblem made up of 7 colours arranged diagonally from left to right. The emblem represents the natives of the Andes and the four regions of the Incan Empire.

The Wiphala's colours and their meanings are as follows: red represents the Earth and the Andean man; orange represents society and culture; yellow represents energy and strength; white represents time and change; green represents natural resources and wealth; and violet represents Andean government and self-determination.

The Wiphala has been the subject of controversy and social division in Bolivia. In 2019, during a period of political crisis, videos emerged of Bolivian police cutting the Wiphala emblem off their uniforms and protesters burning the flag. Supporters of former President Evo Morales, the country's first Indigenous leader, took to the streets in response, chanting, "The Wiphala is to be respected. The Wiphala is the pueblo." The rejection of the Wiphala by some Bolivians has been linked to the country's history of Spanish conquest and oppression of Indigenous peoples, as well as regional identity divisions.

The origin of the Wiphala is a subject of debate. While the flag itself emerged in the 1970s during the campesino movement to recover the political identity of the Aymara people, carved vessels with the squares of the flag have been found in the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, dating back to 200 B.C. The oldest surviving example of a Wiphala-type design is a chuspa (a bag for coca) corresponding to the Tiwanaku culture (1580 B.C. – A.D. 1187), currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum. Additionally, a Wiphala dating back to the 11th century is held by the Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The national coat of arms

The cartouche itself depicts a landscape with significant symbols. At the centre of this landscape is Mount Potosi, one of the most prominent geographical features in Bolivia. In the upper part of the cartouche, a rising sun appears over Mount Potosi, signifying a new dawn for the nation. On the upper part of a smaller hill sits the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious symbol that holds great importance in the predominantly Catholic country.

The lower part of the landscape features a llama, a native animal of Bolivia, along with a sheaf of wheat and a palm tree. These elements represent the natural resources and agricultural richness of the country. The ten stars in the border of the cartouche carry a special meaning as well. Nine of the stars represent the nine departments of Bolivia, while the tenth star symbolises the Litoral province that was lost to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-1884).

The crossed rifles behind the cartouche are a powerful reminder of the country's struggle for independence, while the axe and Phrygian hood symbolise liberty and freedom. The laurel branches, on the other hand, represent peace and harmony. Finally, the Andean Condor perched upon the shield symbolises Bolivia's willingness to defend its nation and the liberty it holds dear.

The national anthem

The anthem is a march in 4/4 time, although it is often sung in 12/8. It was first performed in La Paz, in front of the Palacio de Gobierno, by around 90 instrumentalists from the military bands of the 5th, 6th and 8th battalions. The first verse and chorus are usually performed at official events, and only the chorus is performed if time is limited.

The anthem's lyrics celebrate the freedom and independence of Bolivia, with a strong emphasis on the country's proud history and the sacrifices made by its national heroes. The martial turmoil and clamour of war in the past are contrasted with the present-day peace and unity. The anthem also pays tribute to the brave warriors who fought for Bolivia's freedom and the rich natural resources of the land.

Bolivians, a favourable destiny

Has crowned our vows and longings;

This land is free,

Your servile state has ended.

The martial turmoil of yesterday

And the horrible clamour of war

Are followed today, in harmonious contrast,

By sweet hymns of peace and unity.

Chorus:

We have kept the lofty name of our country

In glorious splendour,

And on its altars we once more swear

To die, rather than live as slaves.

This innocent and beautiful land,

Which owes its name to Bolivar,

Is the happy homeland where men

Enjoy the benefits of good fortune and peace.

For the sons of the great Bolivar

Have sworn, thousands upon thousands of times,

To die rather than see the country's

Majestic flag humiliated.

Chorus

Eternal praise to the brave warriors

Whose heroic valour and firmness

Conquered the glories that now

A happy Bolivia begins to enjoy!

Let their names, in marble and in bronze,

Transmit to remote ages

And in resounding song repeat the call: Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!

The kantuta and patujú flowers

The adoption of these flowers as national symbols holds cultural and historical significance for Bolivia. They are often used in traditional ceremonies and festivals, and their vibrant colours are reflected in the country's flag. The patujú flower, in particular, has a prominent place in Bolivian culture and is considered a source of national pride. It is commonly depicted in art, literature, and folklore, and its image can be found on various national emblems, including the country's currency and stamps.

The flowers also hold ecological importance for the country. The kantuta flower is known for its ability to thrive in the high altitudes of the Andes, and it is often seen as a symbol of resilience and strength. On the other hand, the patujú flower is associated with the lush biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, which is an essential aspect of Bolivia's natural heritage.

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