Why do festivals always have flags, what does it signify? Recollection of this cultural development dates back to the ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition of hanging flags "to put the world in harmony with itself", and also as a wish for passage into a new territory, a new town perhaps or when moving into a new home.
Practice had it that to achieve harmony with a new environment one must hang flags that would represent the five different elements; yellow for water; green for earth; red for fire; white for air and blue for space. And all of these flags must be decorated and hand painted with symbolic drawings and must have words of hope normally in fine lettering.
Aside from harmony that the flag brings, these festive and colorful symbols reminds us of basic human values; it starts with compassion; one must always exhaust his patience; always practice wisdom; must have a big reserve for understanding; and above all love not just for oneself but to all, not for any particular individual but the environment as well.
Children likewise who join the festival, must select a square of colored fabric and together with a knife create a dream or wish flag with their parent or friend, so the elements will be able to provide the type of balance for each hopes and ambition to be fulfilled.
So,
flags are not really devised for decorative purposes only but were created with a special intent for everybody to be more conscious and take care of our environment.
Strive for success, preserve our environment, hang these festival flags.
by:
The Flagman
