You know 'prayer shawls' but do you know about 'prayer flags'?
Prayer Flag has a long tradition that started in Tibet more than 2000 years ago with the hanging of flags by war lords as they went into battle. The Tibetan people took the idea and made flags to honor the nature gods of Bon, using colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth. The flags were hung over mountain passes and rivers to benefit all who would pass underneath.
Discover the history of prayer flags as a form of Fiber Art Written on the Wind. Learn what a prayer flag is along with its historical roots in Tibet. You’ll also get background information on the Prayer Flag Project, which was started in 2011 by Vivika Hansen DeNegre and a group of fiber artist who created prayer flags as a “living, breathing, kinetic journal.” For more information about prayer flags and the Prayer Flag Project read the full blog.
Prayer Flag has a long tradition that started in Tibet more than 2000 years ago with the hanging of flags by war lords as they went into battle. The Tibetan people took the idea and made flags to honor the nature gods of Bon, using colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth. The flags were hung over mountain passes and rivers to benefit all who would pass underneath.
When Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century, it largely took the place of Bon, and absorbed many of the Bon characteristics, including the flags. The early flags contained both Buddhist prayers and pictures of the Bon gods who they believed protected Buddha. Over the next 200 years, Buddhist monks began to print mantras and symbols on the flags as blessings to be sent out to the world with each breeze and thus they became known as Prayer Flags.
This collection includes a book of prayer flag inspiration and ideas, a video tutorial from Prayer Flag Project Coordinator and artist Lisa Chin, plus supplies for using Lisa Chin"s techniques to turn your fabric into colorful flags with shibori, stencils, and sun printing.
Since these flags are small, it is a wonderful way to use various techniques--try your hand at these
small works of art.
Discover the history of prayer flags as a form of Fiber Art Written on the Wind. Learn what a prayer flag is along with its historical roots in Tibet. You’ll also get background information on the Prayer Flag Project, which was started in 2011 by Vivika Hansen DeNegre and a group of fiber artist who created prayer flags as a “living, breathing, kinetic journal.” For more information about prayer flags and the Prayer Flag Project read the full blog.
If you’re not sure where to start on your prayer flag journey, begin with a tutorial on How to Make Your Own Prayer Flags. There is no right or wrong way to make your flags because they can be any size or shape you desire. If you want to learn how Vivika, founder of the Prayer Flag Project, makes her flags read the blog here.
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