The Meaning Behind Tibetan Prayer Flags
Tibetan Prayer Flags: Meaning, Tradition and the Right Days to Hang Them
Colourful Tibetan prayer flags, known in Tibetan as Lungta (རླུང་རྟ་) or “Wind Horse,” are one of the most recognisable traditions of Tibetan culture. They can be seen fluttering across Himalayan mountain passes, monasteries, homes and sacred places.
Prayer flags are not simply decorations. Traditionally, they carry prayers, mantras and auspicious symbols, with the intention of promoting peace, compassion, wisdom, good fortune and wellbeing for all beings.
The Five Colours of Tibetan Prayer Flags
Traditional Tibetan prayer flags are made in five colours, generally arranged together:
- Blue – sky and space
- White – air and wind
- Red – fire
- Green – water
- Yellow – earth
Together, the five colours represent harmony and balance among the elements.
At the centre of many Lungta prayer flags is the Wind Horse, often shown carrying the Three Jewels. Around it may appear sacred mantras, prayers and the four powerful animals—the Garuda, Dragon, Snow Lion and Tiger.
Why Are Prayer Flags Hung Outside?
Prayer flags are traditionally placed outdoors where they can move freely in the wind.
According to Tibetan tradition, as the wind passes over the printed prayers and mantras, their blessings and positive aspirations are carried outward. The intention is not only to bring good fortune to the person who hangs them, but to dedicate positive wishes to all sentient beings.
As the flags become faded and weathered by the sun, wind and rain, this is not necessarily considered a bad thing. Their gradual fading can also remind us of the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.
When Is a Good Time to Hang New Prayer Flags?
Many Tibetans consult the Tibetan lunar calendar and astrology when choosing a day to raise new prayer flags.
Traditionally, auspicious occasions can include Losar (Tibetan New Year) and other favourable days according to the Tibetan calendar. Prayer flags may also be renewed for important spiritual occasions or when beginning a new chapter in life.
It is customary to hang them with a positive state of mind and a sincere motivation for the happiness and wellbeing of others.
Which Days Should You Not Hang Tibetan Prayer Flags?
An important tradition associated with prayer flags concerns certain astrologically unfavourable days known as Baden (བ་དན་) days.
According to Tibetan astrological tradition, new prayer flags should generally not be raised on Baden days. These dates are calculated according to the Tibetan lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year.
This is why it is not accurate to say that prayer flags should never be hung on a particular weekday such as Tuesday or Friday. The unfavourable dates need to be checked against the Tibetan calendar for the particular year.
Some Tibetan traditions hold that raising new Lungta on an unfavourable Baden day can produce the opposite of the auspicious intention associated with raising the flags. For this reason, practitioners who follow the traditional calendar wait for a more favourable day.
Different Tibetan Buddhist traditions and regional customs can vary, so advice from one’s lama, monastery or Tibetan astrological calendar may also be followed.
Respecting Old Prayer Flags
Because prayer flags contain sacred mantras, prayers and Buddhist symbols, they should be treated respectfully.
They should ideally be hung above the ground in a clean and respectful place. Old prayer flags should not simply be treated like ordinary rubbish. Traditionally, they may be respectfully burned or disposed of according to local Buddhist custom.
New prayer flags can also be placed alongside older ones. Seeing old, faded flags beside bright new ones beautifully expresses the continuing cycle of change and renewal.
More Than Decoration
For Tibetans, prayer flags carry centuries of spiritual and cultural meaning.
When we hang Lungta with a compassionate intention, the practice becomes much more than displaying beautiful pieces of coloured cloth. Each movement of the flags in the wind can remind us to cultivate compassion, wisdom, peace and kindness and to wish for the wellbeing of all beings.
May the prayers carried by the wind bring peace and benefit to all sentient beings.
Little Tibet — Preserving Tibetan Art & Culture