What are Tibetan prayer flags called?

There are two kinds of prayer flags: horizontal ones, called Lung ta (Wylie: rlung-rta, meaning “Wind Horse” in Tibetan), and vertical ones, called Darchog (Wylie: dar-lcog, meaning “flagstaff”).

What do Tibetan flags say?

Each hue signifies an element — and the flags are always arranged in a specific order, from left to right: blue, white, red, green, yellow. Blue represents the sky, white represents the air, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes earth. All five colours together signify balance.

What do prayer flags say on them?

Prayer flags are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity. Tibetan people plant prayer flags to honor the nature gods of Bon. They used colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth.

What are Tibetan prayer flags made of?

The most common prayer flags are block printed with Buddhist imagery on a rectangle of loosely woven, brightly colored cotton, and strung together in groups of 10. They are always in the same five colors and hung in the same sequence.

How do you make a Tibetan prayer flag?

How to Make Prayer Flags

1. Cut pieces of fabric to 5″ × 11″.
2. Fold the top down on each piece of fabric and stitch in place to create a 3″ sleeve, making the flag surface 5″ × 8″.
3. Paint, stitch, applique, or collage the flags.
4. Add words, journaling, or symbols as desired.

What do the words on prayer flags mean?

Tibetan prayer flags are traditionally hung in high places to catch the wind so the prayer will be carried out to bless and bring good fortune to all sentient beings. Translated to English, the words on Wind Horse prayer flags say: “May the rain fall at the proper time.

What is written on a prayer flag?

One mantra that is on most prayer flags is OM MANI PADME HUNG, which is the mantra of the bodhisattva of compassion. Printed on prayer flags, this mantra sends blessings of compassion to the world. Sutras are prose texts based on the words of the historical Buddha who taught in India 2500 years ago.

How do you make prayer flags?

What do you put on a prayer flag?

A little research informed me that the colors represent the five basic elements and should always be hung in order, from left to right. Blue signifies space, white: air, red: fire, green: water, and yellow: earth. This type of prayer flag is sold commercially throughout the world.