A Tibetan prayer flag, a rectangular colored cloth, can be found strung on trails or high up in the Himalayas. These are used to bless the countryside and the people and vegetation in that area.
As per the legend, Gautam Buddha, who is the founder of the Buddhist religion and traditions, first used these prayer flags. It is believed that his prayers were written on the battle flags of the devas (divine beings) against their fight against the asuras (the diabolical beings). Prayer flags were discouraged during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet, because of which many of the traditional designs might have been lost.
As per the legend, Gautam Buddha, who is the founder of the Buddhist religion and traditions, first used these prayer flags. It is believed that his prayers were written on the battle flags of the devas (divine beings) against their fight against the asuras (the diabolical beings). Prayer flags were discouraged during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet, because of which many of the traditional designs might have been lost.
Currently, we can see several different prayer flag styles in Tibet and surrounding regions. Basically, there are two types of prayer flags: the horizontal flag style, known as Lung ta, or the vertical flag style, known as Darchog.
Lung ta (horizontal prayer flags) are square or rectangular in shape. They are connected to their top edges by a string or thread. They are hung in high places like temples, monasteries, and stupas.
Darchog (vertical prayer flags) are usually large rectangles that are attached to poles along the vertical edge. Darchog are usually seen planted in the ground, mountains and on rooftops. They are symbolic in nature and are related to the Dhwaja (as mentioned within the very ancient Vedic Tradition). Dhwaja is a victory prayer flag, or a flag that indicates one's supremacy over the space
Lung ta (horizontal prayer flags) are square or rectangular in shape. They are connected to their top edges by a string or thread. They are hung in high places like temples, monasteries, and stupas.
Darchog (vertical prayer flags) are usually large rectangles that are attached to poles along the vertical edge. Darchog are usually seen planted in the ground, mountains and on rooftops. They are symbolic in nature and are related to the Dhwaja (as mentioned within the very ancient Vedic Tradition). Dhwaja is a victory prayer flag, or a flag that indicates one's supremacy over the space
Prayer flags are traditionally sold in sets of five, one for each of the five colors that correspond to the five elements. This is according to ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Tibetan Medicine. The sequence of the five colors as arranged from left to right are- blue, white, red, green, and yellow.
A specific elements is associated with each color of these flags. In addition, sometimes, instead of the multi-colored flag-set, a specific-colored prayer flag is utilized when doing prayers or rituals for specific purpose, tradition or sadhana (dedicated praying ritual).
In terms of the color representation of these prayer flags, blue represents the sky and space. White symbolizes air and wind. Red symbolizes fire. Green symbolizes water. Yellow symbolizes earth.
Traditional Tibetan medicine says that harmony and health are achieved through the proper balance of these five elements.
A specific elements is associated with each color of these flags. In addition, sometimes, instead of the multi-colored flag-set, a specific-colored prayer flag is utilized when doing prayers or rituals for specific purpose, tradition or sadhana (dedicated praying ritual).
In terms of the color representation of these prayer flags, blue represents the sky and space. White symbolizes air and wind. Red symbolizes fire. Green symbolizes water. Yellow symbolizes earth.
Traditional Tibetan medicine says that harmony and health are achieved through the proper balance of these five elements.
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