Prayer flag changing ceremony held during Losar

Photo shows the local residents throwing zanba (roasted highland barley flour) at the prayer flag changing ceremony in Taktse Village, 40 kilometers from downtown Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The prayer flags are made of multi-colored patches of cloth, which are sewn in the order of blue, white, red, green and yellow. The sequence of colors cannot be changed since they symbolize in order the blue sky, white clouds, red fire, green water and yellow earth, and carry the good wishes of people through each of these elements. The day to replace prayer flags is usually chosen as an auspicious day after the first day of the Tibetan New Year. Every member of the family will dress in their best clothes and carry festive dishes and offerings onto the roof, where they will hold a prayer ceremony while they change the prayer flag trees of the house. Later the family will enjoy a feast together and express their blessings to each other.[Photo/China News Service]