Tibetian Prayer Flags

"Prayer flags are colorful panels or rectangular cloths often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside. Unknown in other branches of Buddhism, prayer flags are believed to have originated with Bon, which predated Buddhism in Tibet. Traditionally they are woodblock-printed with texts and images." -Wikipedia

I'll show you how to make cheap yet effective prayer flags to decorate your home.

Step 1: What You'll Need

What You'll Need

-Paper (Blue, White, Red, Green & Yellow)
-Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
-Thread
-Scissors

Step 2: Assembly

First you will need to download this template here: Template

Then print it out on your colored paper, make sure that you are printing in landscape mode, and that you print out one on each color of paper. Next cut out each flag along the faint gray lines. Then fold the excess on the top over to create a flap.

Prayer flags come in a traditional pattern of Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow

• Blue (symbolizing sky/space)
• White (symbolizing wind/air)
• Red (symbolizing fire)
• Green (symbolizing water)
• Yellow (symbolizing earth)

In order to assemble the flags correctly you will need to lay them face down in reverse order:
Yellow, Green, Red, White, Blue

Cut a length of thread long enough for your desired length.

Then place a small line of hot glue on the back of the flag on fold created by the flap. Quickly place the thread on the glue and flatten it with your fingers.

Repeat until desired length is reached, leaving about an inch between flags.

I hope you enjoy!

To Learn More About Prayer Flags And Buddhism See The Links Below

Prayer Flags - Wikipedia
The Meaning of Tibetan Prayer Flags
Buddhism - Wikipedia
The Prayer Flag Tradition (PDF)
TibetianPrayerFlag.com