Prayer Flags
( 2005-10-27 )

The first and the most common pattern is to arrange the flags in the shape of the Chinese character "一" (meaning "one").

The second is to attach a flag to a mast measuring ten-odd meters in height.

Next comes the particularly beautiful "tower pattern" in which the flags are hung around a pillar in the shape of anumbrella, forming a hollow tower.

The "encircling pattern" is most often seen aroundBuddhist pagodas, or pagoda groups.

Another pattern is the so-called "embattling pattern", well known for its large scale and intense patterns. Prayer flags arranged in this pattern are reputed to be the most spectacular land art in the world.

 Various styles

Designs on the prayer flags inLhasaare more rigorous and magnificent, as well as more orthodox religiously and artistically, while those in eastern Tibet are more flexible in form and content.

The style of wind horse flags varies a lot in different areas. In Lhasa, flags are made from small pieces of cloth and are hung on a thin rope, quite like the small colorful flags inBeijingthat welcome foreign heads of state. The Tibetans also like to draw a line of wind horse flags between two mountaintops or over the spacious streets of Lhasa.

In areas where the militant Kangba peoplelive, the prayer flags look a little like the combat flags of ancient times. A mast with strips of cloth hanging from it is placed in the mountains. Sometimes, such masts can be seen over an area of about 600 square meters, and when looked at from a distance, resemble the red broomcorn plant.

Another type of prayer flag is made in the shape of a tower, with a piece of printed cloth wound layer on layer around a pillar, forming a Buddhist tower in the field and providing Tibetans with shade in the hot weather. The men in the shadow of a hanging prayer flag are said to have good luck.

 Symbolic meaning

Prayer flags have many different meanings. Hanging them on birthdays and festive days is believed to be capable of bringing auspicious and peaceful blessings to heaven, the earth, human beings, and livestock. Herdsmen fasten prayer flags in the hope of being blessed when moving from one place to another. Pilgrims cross the desert with prayer flags on their shoulders hoping for a safe and problem-free trip. People living by a lake or river place prayer flags along the water's edge to show their reverence for the god of water while those living among mountains and forests suspend prayer flags to fulfill their obligations to the god of mountains.

When a Living Buddha passes away, it is a rare and grand occasion. People express their condolences and respect for the Buddha by hanging prayer flags on the roof of every home.

As an important folk cultural art form with a religious theme, prayer flags have gained their unique characteristics in the course of their development. Like many other folk arts in Tibet, such as fresco painting,thangka(religious painting on scrolls), and Tibetan sculpture, prayer flags are another exotic flower in the folk art of the Tibetan holy land.