International Color Guide - Tibet

Tibet's Rich Spiritual Life Relies on Color to Express Symbolism on the Human Plane.

Two lions at the bottom of the Tibetan flag support a "wishing gem," a symbol of sacred Buddhist law. Above this symbol are flames, representing Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, three revered figures in Tibet. Above this is a golden sun, symbolizing freedom and prosperity. The color of the stripes stand for two protective deities: blue for the female deity, red for the male.

The white triangle is symbolic of a snow-covered mountain, suggesting Tibet's geographic location. The green and white lines stand for co-existing rule between earthly and spiritual law, respectively.

In Tibet, colors have strong connections to many aspects of everyday life - aspects of nature, human emotions, even the days of the week. Often these connections merge, adding layer upon layer of meaning on a single color.

For example, Monday and Wednesday are blue, a color associated with water. Tuesday and Sunday are red and are related to fire. Thursday is white and is related to air, Saturday and Friday are yellow - Saturday is related to the earth and Friday is neutral.

The next layer of meaning involves human emotions: Red days are angry. Blue and white days point toward good fortune. Blue Wednesday and yellow Saturday are good days to receive payments. Friday, again, is neither good nor bad.

	White is the color of the East and is related to goodness, purity, and the concept of air or space. Symbolically, the lion and the wheel are also related to white. White can also be representative of the religious or spiritual worlds.
	Black is connected with the devil, evil power and fierceness.
	Red is the color of the West. It is related to light, fire, anger, and the complexion of fierce gods. Symbolically, the peacock and the red lotus are linked with red. The color red in the Tibetan flag symbolizes a male deity, a special guardian of the flag.
	Yellow is the color of the North. It represents religious persons or life; the earth; and the complexion of a mild god. It is linked symbolically with the horse and the jewel. The golden sun in the flag represents freedom, happiness and prosperity.
	In Tibet, blue is the color of the East (and sometimes the South), air, the elephant and the thunderbolt. Light blue suggest celestial beings. The color blue in the Tibetan flag symbolizes a female deity, a special guardian of the flag.
	Green is the color of the North. It is associated with water, rebirth, and a crossed thunderbolt. Green also can be representative of the earth.
	The sign of a religious building in Tibet is a crimson, maroon and white flag, not in this orientation.