Our History | Tibet Wings

History and Culture of Tibet

Tibet has a rich history, with written records beginning in the seventh century when Master Thonmi Sambhota developed the Tibetan script. The tales of the 32 former kings were passed down orally, filled with mystery and legend. Tibetan history is divided into five periods, including the Tsenpo and Sakya periods. Over time, Tibetans developed a unique culture influenced by Bon religion, Buddhism, and exchanges with other nationalities. Their harsh climate shaped a lifestyle rooted in respect for nature, with beliefs in the three jewels and respect for parents and teachers.

Religion in Tibet Bon and Buddhism

Before the seventh century almost all the Tibetans including the kings and ministers believed and practiced Bon which is the native religion of Tibet . It is believed that the Tonpa Sherpa ,who was the founder of Bon came from Olmo Lungriing to Shangshung and Tibet to spread his teaching . The main ideas and practice of Bon is very similar to Buddhism . For example ,in Bon the wisdom of emptiness is very important and the practice of love and compassion for all beings is also highly valued.

Prayer Flags

It is almost like the symbol of Tibet and it has a history of at least more than a thousand years. Originally it was used mainly as a military sign . Different tribes had their own particular flag to represent their identity . Gradually ,with the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet the military flags were turned into religious prayer flags.

Tibetan Food and Drink

The staple of Tibetan food is Tsampa, which is considered by some to be an UN-appetizing mixture of barley flour and yak butter. It is eaten by Tibetans at nearly every meal and because Tsampa is made of roasted barley, with the husk, ground into very fine flour usually using a hand mill. Tsampa is served with the infamous yak butter tea, an acquired taste unpalatable to most foreigners.

Folk song and dance

Generally speaking Tibet is known as the “Ocean of song and dance”. In the process of struggling with nature , the people of Tibet plateau have learnt to adopt a positive attitude towards life. The different regions or prefecture of Tibet has its own unique song and dance . There are also differences between the song and dance of nomads and farmers. For example : In the nomadic areas “Gorshey” or circle dance and threat singing are more popular , while in the farming areas Nangma or classical song is more popular . Beside these , the upper Tsang has its own special song and dance called Toeshey and the forest region of Kongpo has its particular song and dance that is performed along with Tibetan guitar .