Garuda as the National Emblem of Indonesia
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What is Garuda? In Hinduism, Garuda is one of the gods in the form of a bird. He is the mount of one of the gods in Hinduism, namely Lord Vishnu. Garuda is described as a humanoid bird. He has a giant golden body, a white head, and red wings. He has a beak and wings resembling an eagle and a large body that can cover the sun. The story of this god is written in the Mahabharata from India.
Source: jurnalaktualindonesia.com
Garuda is used as the National Emblem of the Indonesian to describe a great nation and a strong country. Garuda has a golden color which means the majesty and glory of Indonesia. The beak, claws, wings, and tail of this eagle represent the enormous power of development and power in Indonesia. The feathers on the eagle also describe Indonesia’s independence day on August 17th, 1945. Then, on the legs, it grips a ribbon that reads “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” which is a national motto of Indonesia that means Unity in Diversity.
Source: materibelajar.co.id
On the eagle’s body, there is a shield containing five images. Those images are Star, Golden Chain, Banyan Tree, Bull’s Head, and Grain and Cotton.
- Star
The golden star is a symbol of the first precepts in Pancasila which reads “Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa.” The star symbol has a meaning as a light, which is emitted by God to mankind. Then the black background on the golden star symbol depicts the color of nature, a blessing from God who is the source of everything on this earth.
- Golden Chain
The golden chain is a symbol of the second precepts in Pancasila which reads “Kemanusiaan yang adil dan beradab.” The rectangular chain represents the male symbol, while the circular chain represents the female. Then the chain links symbolize the relationship between humans, both men and women.
- Banyan Tree
The banyan tree is a symbol of the third precepts in Pancasila which reads “Persatuan Indonesia.” The banyan tree has strong roots which mean strong Indonesian unity. It also has floating roots which means many different tribes, religions, and races
- Bull’s Head
The bull’s head is a symbol of the fourth precepts in Pancasila which reads “Kerakyatan yang dipimpin oleh hikmat kebijaksanaan dalam permusyawaratan perwakilan.” Bulls are defined as social animals who like to gather. When the bulls gather, they become stronger and harder to get attacked by the enemy.
- Grain and Cotton
The grain and cotton is a symbol of the fifth precepts in Pancasila which reads “Keadilan sosial bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia.” Grain and cotton symbolize the two things humans need to survive. Grain symbolizes the availability of food, while cotton symbolizes the availability of clothing. With the availability of food and clothing, humans will be able to survive and live in peace.
References:
https://hot.liputan6.com/read/4462922/arti-lambang-garuda-pancasila-pahami-makna-setiap-simbolnya
Image Sources:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71vazuWJ5YL._AC_SL1024_.jpg
https://jurnalaktualindonesia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lambang-Burung-Garuda-Pancasila-1.jpg
https://materibelajar.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Perisai-atau-tameng-lambang-pancasila.jpg
