What is the Meaning of Small Colored Flags in a Row?

There's something peaceful and magical about seeing a row of small, pretty flags waving in the breeze. They're called Tibetan prayer flags, and they're said to bring good fortune to not only those who hang them but to everyone else as well.

Meaning

People hang these flags to bring peace, love and harmony to the world. The designs on the flags are symbolic of these ideals.

History

Tibetan prayer flags have been used for thousands of years. Designs created by Buddhist masters centuries ago are still used today.

Construction

Prayer flags are made of bright-colored cloth and are strung on a cord or hung from poles, always in a row.

Printing

Prayer flags were originally hand-printed. In the 15th century, people began carving designs into wood blocks and using those to stamp the designs on the cloth. Prayer flags are still printed this way.

Colors

The colors of the flags represent the elements: space (blue), air (white), fire (red), water (green) and earth (yellow). The flags should always be displayed in this order.

Who Can Use Them

Prayer flags aren't only for Buddhists or people of Tibetan descent. Anyone who wants to bring peace and harmony to the world can hang them, regardless of religious beliefs.

References

• prayerflags.com
• sacred-texts.com

Resources

• Tibetan Prayer Flags