In Mahayana Buddhism, one of the most important bodhisattvas, seen as embodying compassion. He is an emanation of Amida Buddha. In China, as Kuan Yin, and Japan, as Kannon, he is confused with his female consort, becoming the popular goddess of mercy.
Red and white are the colours of Bohemia, dating back to the 13th century. Blue represents Moravia. Unlike that of the Slovak Republic, the Czech flag is not based on the pan-Slav colours. Effective date: 1 January 1993.