How to Hang Tibetan Prayer Flags
Tibetan prayer flag are traditionally used by Buddhists to carry the prayers of the one who hangs it to the universe. They are hung to mark a new beginning: a marriage, the birth of a child or the opening of a new business. They are also hung on auspicious occasions such as Tibetan New Year. The flag are meant to unravel over time. As the wind carries away each thread, another prayer is released to bring compassion and peace to the world.
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Things You'll Need
- One or more Tibetan prayer flags
- Natural fiber cord or twine
- Permanent marker
Instructions
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Check your heart. Prayer flags are to be hung only by those with clear, beneficial intentions.
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Flags can be personalized by writing the name of specific individual or individuals on them. For example if you are hanging a prayer flag in honor of the birth of a child, the child's name may be inscribed on the flag.
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Decide where to hang your prayer flag. Flags are hung so they can catch the wind. They are hung parallel to the ground, never on a slant. It is not disrespectful to hang the flag indoors but that's not their intended use.
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When tying multiple prayer flags together on a single string there is an order to follow based on the color of the prayer flags. From left to right: blue, white, red, green and saffron (yellow).
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If you are hanging more then one Tibetan prayer flag, tie the strings of each flag to make one long string. Do not knot the fabric of the flag itself. Tibetan prayer flags are usually pre-strung.
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Tie each free end of the flag string between two trees, poles or attach to the roof rim of a building. Attach extra cord or twine if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
New prayer flags can be hung next to old ones.
It is disrespectful to allow a prayer flag to touch the floor or the ground. It is disrespectful to throw a prayer flag away--dispose of prayer flags by burning them.
