- by Liffity
- Last Updated: 2019-11-28
In Tibet, there is a universal phenomenon that numerous people scatter scraps of paper into the sky. Nowadays, we advocate environmental protection, while this behavior seems to go against this principle. In fact, those scraps of paper are called Longda, which means blessing. In the Tibetan language, Long means wind, da means horse. Putting together the two words, it means the horse flag in wind.
Compared with prayer flags, the fame of Longda is not well known by most people in the world. Carrying a meaning of blessing as the same as prayer flags, Longda is printed with lection and patterns.
How many types of Longda
Longda can be made of paper and cloth with patterns and lection. The shapes of Longda are square and rectangle. Having a close look at the pattern, you will see a horse carrying the wishing jewel in the middle, sun and moon painting on the top, and four animals like dragon, eagle, tiger, and lion standing in the four corners. In the tradition of Tibetan history, different animals have different meanings. The dragon stands for prosperity, the eagle represents vitality, the tiger symbolizes body, lion means brave, and the horse is spirit.
Paper Longda is always used to scatter into the sky, while cloth Longda is used to hang on the high land.
What is the usage of Longda
Longda is mainly used to seek blessings from Buddha for themselves and families and express the worship and reverence for Buddhism. Besides these, scattering Longda is also a way to offer sacrifices to their ancestors.
Longda still has another usage in Tibet. When holding a wedding，relatives and friends always scatter Longda into the sky for the purpose of seeking blessing and prayer for the bridegroom and the bride.
Where does it go
Longda is an ancient tradition in Tibetan areas. Paper Longda is scattered with the following wind, while cloth Longda is connected with a wool rope hanging on the bridge or some holy high lands, such as Mount Kinabalu. There is no mandatory provision of the destination of Longda.
The colorful Longda are everywhere in Tibet, especially on the Sichuan - Tibetan Highway.
Related Articles & Posts
-
Tibetan Architecture
Tibetan architecture is bound to be influenced by people's emotions and mentality, which are derived from the specific natural environment and historical accumulation. In terms of architectural form, it conforms to the environment and turns adverse factors into opportunities as well as creation. ...
-
Tibetan People
Tibetan people always keep a mysterious veil to the public. Here's an introduction of Tibetan people from their lifestyle, history, robes, inhabitants, food, architecture, occupational life, hada, language, religion and entertainment. ...
-
Princess Wencheng
Prince Wencheng(625-680) married to Songtsan Gambo for lasting peace. She made historic contributions in promoting the economic and cultural exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo Kingdom. She's always been appreciated and admired by the Tibetan people. ...
-
Bon—The Indigenous Religion of Tibet
Tourist introduction to Bonismo. Bon, as a Tibetan indigenous religion, after centuries of evolution, it's now officially recognized as a religious group with equal rights as the Buddhist schools. Tibetan Buddhism is derived from Bon and Buddhism. See more details. ...
-
Khata and related Etiquette
Khata, transliteration of Tibetan. It's a kind of silk and cotton fabric. Most of them are white and blue. Offering "Khata" means to show purity, sincerity, loyalty, and respect to the other party. It is the most common Tibetan courtesy. ...
-
Tibetan Butter Tea - Po cha
Butter tea, commonly known as Po cha in Tibet, is a typical Tibetan tea with salty in taste. If you are new in Tibet, you may have tasted this tea, especially, during cold days! Tibetans love to serve this tea to their guests. ...
-
8 Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism
Buddhism is the main religion in Tibet, and it has a deep impression on Tibetans' lives. If you travel to Tibet, you will see the the eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, but what's the significance of them? ...
-
Tibetan Calendar
As the crystallization of Tibetan wisdom and experience, Tibetan Calendar is widely used in the roof of the world and some other places with the old tradition. You can learn more about Tibetan Culture from this very useful tool. ...
-
Tibet Customs and Traditions
A guide to Tibetan customs and traditions for visitors covering greetings, etiquette, eating, drinking, tea culture, sky burial, and more travel advice. ...
-
Tibetan Buddhist Monastic Robe - Kasaya
Tibet has rich cultures where you can find authentic traditions of Buddhists in every element of the place. It was almost 2500 years back when Lord Buddha himself wore monastic robes. Check the history, meaning and various types of Kasaya in Tibet. ...
