
Bring more compassion into the world with these vibrant mini prayer flags, which Tibetan Buddhists believe send prayers into the universe with every breeze. Try them as an untraditional Christmas garland, or share one with a dear friend to always keep your good wishes for each other present in your life. They tuck neatly into a greeting card.
Handmade from Himalayan lokta paper by Nepalese artisans in the five Buddhists colors with traditional drawings representing the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. These are: the knot (inter-relatedness), wheel (Buddha’s teachings), lotus (perfection), conch (the call to awaken), umbrella (protection), victory banner (conquest of ignorance), fish (freedom to enlighten), and the treasure vase (the fulfillment of all wishes).
Read more about the prayer flag tradition below.
Tibetan prayer flags are a common sight along mountain passes and flying atop monasteries and temples in the Himalayas. Yes, wind and rain soon leave the flags faded and tattered, but that’s the point. They’re meant to be in motion: every flap and flutter scatters prayers, sutras, and auspicious wishes into the wind, up to the heavens, and into the universe beyond. Rain and snow carry these blessings into the Earth.
Designs vary but often include the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism: the knot (inter-relatedness), wheel (Buddha’s teachings), lotus (perfection), conch (the call to awaken), umbrella (protection), victory banner (conquest of ignorance), fish (freedom to enlighten), and the treasure vase (the fulfillment of all wishes). The five colors represent the harmony of five elements in balance: blue for sky and space, white for air and wind, red for fire, green for water, and yellow for earth.
Please treat prayer flags with the respect you would give a national flag. Try to avoid letting them touch the ground, and if you can, dispose of fully faded prayer flags by burning them.