Borjgali (
Georgian: ბორჯღალი; also Borjgala or Borjgalo; Borçgali in
Laz) is a
Georgian symbol of the
Sun and
eternity.[1][2] The borjgali is often represented with seven rotating wings over the
tree of life which can be used to create various shapes and variations and can be considered as a main symbol of Georgian culture.[3]
Etymology
The term Borjgali is believed to derive from
Megrelian word ბარჩხალი (barchkhali), which literally means "strong shining". Some other scholars believe that it has different origins. In old Megrelian borj means "time" and gal means "pass" or "flow". So the whole phrase would mean "the flow of time".
Usage
This pre-Christian symbol was widely used in both western (
Colchis) and eastern Georgia (in Georgian architecture's Dedabodzi, "mother-pillar") as part of a
Darbazi in the
Kura–Araxes culture as a holy symbol.[4] During the medieval period, this symbol was incorporated as a part of Christian symbolism.
Nowadays, the symbol is used in Georgian IDs and passports, as well as on
currency and by the
Georgian Rugby Union. Georgian rugby team players are called ბორჯღალოსნები (borjgalosnebi), which means "Men bearing Borjgali". It was also used on the naval ensign of Georgia during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[5]Georgian nationalists often use the symbol to emphasize national pride.[citation needed]
^Evolving Virtual and Computational Paleontology. (2020). (n.p.): Frontiers Media SA. p.131 : "seven-rayed symbol of sun and eternity typical of Georgia"
^Mikaberidze, A. (2015). Historical Dictionary of Georgia. United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p.204
^რატი იონათამიშვილი ”ბორჯღალასა და სვასტიკის გენეზისისთვის” თბ.(2006) [Rati Ionatamishvili, Genesis of the Leopard and the Swastika, Tbilisi, 2006 ]
^Armand du Payrat, CV(R) (2000). Album des pavillons nationaux et des marques distinctives / National flags and distinctive markings (in French and English). Daniel Roudaut (ill.) (8th. ed.). Brest (France): S.H.O.M. (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine). p. 238.
ISBN2-11-088247-6.
978-2-11-088247-9.Previous edition: [pie90]
Format: A4 (tall) (279×210 mm)