1. Each colour of the flag symbolises an element
The red, blue, yellow, white and green buddhist prayer flags represent elements like air, fire, water and earth. White symbolises air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind. They also represent directions – North, South, East, West and Center.
2. ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ has a very deep meaning
Om- The sacred syllable
Mani- Jewel
Padme – Lotus
Hum – Spirit of enlightenment
This mantra does not have one particular meaning. It’s a combination of values like compassion, ethics, patience, diligence, renunciation and wisdom. It is said that if you recite the mantra during meditation, it can cure pride, jealousy, ignorance, greed and aggression.
3. Buddhist prayer flags should never be still
The reason why they are put high above the roof is so that they flutter in the wind. It is said that they emit positive spiritual vibrations and that the prayers are carried by the wind like silent prayers.
4. It’s a good omen to receive Nepal prayer flags as a gift
Getting prayer flags as a gift from someone and not buying them is how you should acquire a prayer flag. Therefore, telling a friend who visits Leh-Ladakh to get you prayer flags is the right thing to do.
5. There are two kinds of flags – horizontal and vertical
The horizontal ones are called Lung Dar and the vertical ones are Dar Cho.