Borjgali

The Borjgali.

Borjgali (Georgian: ბორჯღალი) (or "Borjgala", "Borjgalo") is an ancient Georgian symbol of the Sun with seven rotating wings over the Christian Tree of Life and is related to the Mesopotamian and Sumerian symbols of eternity. It is usually depicted within the circle that symbolizes the Universe. The roots of the Tree go into the "past" and its palm-like branches are for the "future". The Tree itself symbolizes the continuity between past, present and the future. The Borjgali is usually placed above the tree and symbolizes the Sun, eternal movement and life.

Etymology

"Borjgali" has Georgian roots; its Megrelian variant is “Barchkhali” - light, lighting, shine.

Other historians argue, that "Borjgi" is ancient Georgian word meaning "root", "foundation". Word "gal" means "pure (healthy, true, right one) fruit(product)". So, by this theory, "Borjgali" means pure fruit which came from pure roots.

At the same time, "borjgli" is called the deer's antler or the branch having many small twigs. Antler from the ancient times is considered as symbol of life tree, and changing cycle of it in Georgian mythology is considered as immortality.

Borjgali in Georgia

The Borjgali in Georgian territory was believed from ancient times to be a holy ornament and a very sacral logogram. It was actively used in ancient buildings. Its main and central symbol of "Dedabodzi" ("mother pillar"), the main pillar of ancient houses, made completely from one wooden plank. Signs of which is left in Georgian architecture from Kura–Araxes culture. Except this, Borjgali is seen on many balconies, gates, tools and weaponry.

Borjgali is meant to as the sun, and also is somehow connected to the wheel.

Georgian 7 winged Borjgali

Borjgali differentiates by its wing count, although most popular in Georgia is 7 winged one, which symbolically illustrated cosmos and was icon of 7 holy luminaries of Georgian pagan pantheon. In the center of concentration, "Burji", are flowing out "Gala"s (luminaries), was considered as God's cloister, which from back then believed to be creator of everything seen or unseen on earth.

Sometimes its wings are ornamented straightly, without motionness.

Georgian names of 7 luminaries are:

1. "Helio" (or "Ardi") - Sun
2. "Mtovare" (or "Kamari") - Moon
3. "Juma" (or "Ermi" and "Otaridi") - Mercury
4. "Marikhi" (or "Arian", "Takha") - Mars
5. "Mtiebi" ("matins' star") - Venus
6. "Dia" (or "Mushtari") - Jupiter
7. "Zuali" - Saturn.

Modern Use

Nowadays, the symbol is used in Georgian IDs and passports, as well as on currency and Georgian Rugby Union. Georgian Rugby Team players are called "Borjgalosnebi", which means "Men of Borjgalis".

See also

• Swastika