Prayer flags are indeed one of the appealing characteristics of a Bhutanese tradition and mythology. It is an angelic representation of Buddhist sculpture and art often with a belief that well-being and happiness flourishes where it flutters. These flags are explicit with a detailed woodblock print on high-quality cotton cloth. The 5 colors of flags (blue, white, red, green, yellow) represent the 5 basic elements: space, air, fire, water, earth. Each color has special Buddhist symbols, prayers and mantras for a particular purpose: Blue - Health & Longevity, White– Karma Purification, Red – Wish Fulfillment, Green –Compassion, Yellow – Overcoming Obstacles. They are displayed in front of important places, such as monasteries and palaces, and one must be formally dressed to enter these places. These flags represent special prayers.
Locally, vertical prayer flags are called Darchog - where “Dar” means to increase fortune, wealth, health and life and “Cho” means all sentient beings- which are usually rectangular in shape and attached to poles along their vertical edge. They are mostly found huddled close together.
They are commonly planted in mountains landscapes and forests. Darchog is also symbolically related to the Dhvaja (Victory banner). These flags are individually attached to a wooden pole ranging from 3 to 60 feet and are planted in the ground. The prayer flags predate Buddhism in Bhutan and were originally hung in response to banners worn by warlords that were prevalent during the 7th century.
The flags don't come with fasteners to secure therefore, we recommend either sewing a fastener to hoist on metal poles or using staples for wooden poles.
We also offer
windhorse prayer flags, and
21 tara prayer flags.
