Hada: Incarnation of Friendship and Fraternity
( 2005-10-27 )

Presenting thehada-- a strip of raw silk or linen -- is a common practice among Tibetan people expressing best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting elders and superiors, and entertaining guests. The white hada in Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region embodies purity and good fortune.

  Proper etiquette

Presenting the hada is a traditional practice of paying respects and hospitality in Tibet. When friends and family meet or when visitors are received in Tibet, snow-white strips of linen and sometimes even silk with tassels at both ends are presented.

As common as it is, presenting the hada entails many different rules that must be followed in accordance to various occasions; hada of various lengths, sizes and colors are presented at meetings and gatherings.

If you are presenting a hada to a high-level lama, superior, or an elder, raise it above your shoulders and bow, and when presenting the hada to a Living Buddha, lay it on the table or before his or her feet to show respect and appreciation. You will not receive a hada in return on such occasions.

When presenting a hada to a peer to show friendship, raise it and lay it on his or her hands respectfully. You will also receive a hada in return for your kindness.

When receiving a hada from your superior or the elder, to show your thankfulness, it is proper to accept it with both hands and raise it over your head to put on your shoulders.

The hada is also used when one is in need of help. If the hada presented is accepted, it is a promise that the recipient will help; if the hada is not accepted, then the request has been turned down. The hada is perfect for dissolving mistrust and enmity.