Religious Colors of Tibetan Folk Culture

Almost all the Zang people or Tibetans believe in Tibetan Buddhism. Religion is a historical and cultural phenomenon. Tibetan Buddhism has already a history of several thousand years. Mountains and rivers, sky and could, thunder and lightning, earthquakes and mud-rock flows-all the masterpiece of nature render Tibetans some illusive understandings and blind worships from the ancient times, thus forming the primitive religion of Tibet-Tibetan Bonism.

Later, Buddhism was introduced in Tibet and this worship became more systematic and popular. Today, when you wondering in Tibet, suburb or urban, here and there, you can feel the rich religious colors.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Festivals

There are plenty of festivals in Tibet, the majority of which are related to religion. For example, the Saga Dawa festival, Monalam, Bailai Rizhen (or Fairy Festival), Gudu (or Silvesterklause) etc. are all quite rich in religious colors.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Ornaments

The majority of Tibetan ornaments are also relevant to religion. There is a kind of metal box, which is called Gawu. A small statue of Buddha is always set in the Gawu. People always wear the Gawu on their chest so as to protect themselves.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Funeral Customs

Tibetan funeral customs are also full of religious colors. Celestial burial is quite popular in Tibet. Celestial burial originated from the talk on giving in Tibetan Buddhism. it is said that when the Bodhisattva is giving alms, he can even sacrifice his life. If the disciples search for the spirits of Tibetan Buddhism just as Bodhisattva gives alms, they can obtain the essence of Buddhism. This belief or faith shows the connection between the celestial burial and their religious belief-Tibetan Buddhism.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Dance and Music Arts

The same goes to Tibetan dance arts. That is, Tibetan dance arts have also been influenced by the religion-Tibetan Buddhism. In traditional Tibetan dances is a dance called "Qiangmu". It is said that the master Padmasambhava once connected the local dance with the contents of Tibetan Buddhism and created a dance to ward off evil spirits. In many monasteries, the musical instruments like drums and trumpets are widely used. These musical instruments can produce the ancient and classical scholar music.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Painting Art

Tibetan Paintings have been deeply influenced by the Tibetan Buddhism. All of the murals and thangka are themed in Buddha figures. Sakyamuni, Tara, Avalokitesvara, Padmasambhava and other Buddhist images can all be found in Tibetan murals and thangka.

Religious Colors of Tibetan Architectures

Architectures in Tibet, especially the monastery buildings, reflect the richness of Tibetan religious culture. The creed of Tibetan Buddhism has decisive effects on the layout and the interior design of these monastery buildings. Take the interior colors inside the halls for example. Generally, the colors are always grotesque and gaudy, forming a mysterious atmosphere. The interior of the halls are quite dark while the Buddha statues are quite shining, thus reflecting the idea of the shining Buddha light in the somber world.