What are National Honours named after?
What are National Honours named after? The Highest National Honour of a Country carries immense significance as an award and prestige. But how it is named gives a direct insight to the country’s culture.
The Western Asian Islamic Countries name their highest honour after one single important person like King Abdulaziz Saud (Saudi Arabia), Zayed bin Sultan (UAE) or after the country itself Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) or Order of Merit of Syria. Indicating the relevance of a person and place.
While East Asian countries, generally name its highest honours after something of great cultural importance. Like Polar Star (Mongolia), Mugunghwa Flower (South Korea), Elephants (Laos). Which shows the significance and rootedness of the culture.
India, China, two of the world’s most populous countries, chose to go with something which would be more inclusive for varied cultures and beliefs, hence choosing a simple adjective, Bharat Ratna (The Gem of India), The Friendship Medal (China).
While Central Asia, chose something even simpler, they called the person who won the highest national award, A Hero!