The hoisting of flags to ensure good fortune is one of the many customs within the nomadic communities of
Tibet that have changed very little for several thousand years. However, the meaning of this ritual has gradually evolved from being of militaristic to
religious significance.
Origin of
Prayer Flags
That the original use of flags in Tibet was militaristic is illustrated by the term Ru-dar or
banner. Ru refers to the gathering of nomads before moving .