In memory of their compatriots who immolated themselves to protest Chinese repression, Tibetans living in Taiwan will join other Tibetans around the world in not holding festivities for Losar — the Tibetan New Year — which begins today.
Traditionally, Tibetans visit monasteries, raise five-colored prayerflags, host feasts and parties and set off fireworks during Losar, which is celebrated for 15 days.
“We feel that there’s nothing to celebrate as our Tibetan sisters and brothers inside Tibet are Losar is TheTibetan New Year, a three-day festival that mixes sacred and secular practices -- prayers, ceremonies, hanging prayer flags, sacred and folk.
Losar is marked with ancient ceremonies that represent the struggle between good and evil, by chanting, music and dancing, and by whirling and passing fire torches through the crowds. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flour paintings of the sun and moon, and small lamps are lit at night. New clothes are worn, debts and quarrels are resolved, good food is cooked and plenty of liquor is drunk in the run-up to Losar.
No comments:
Post a Comment