The sun is shining, and it is lovely to be outside in the garden. When I took down all my patriotic bunting after the Jubilee, I decided to keep my newly made flags and hang them in the back garden for the summer, as they seem bright and nautical and not overly patriotic. Because I made them quickly, and didn't hem them, they have started to fray and fade already as they flap in the sunny summer breeze.
I went outside on Monday morning and noticed my neighbour's washing line - he had clearly laundered all his dusters and cleaning cloths and pegged them out
They reminded me of a row of colourful Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Flags fluttering in the breeze!
The traditional five colours used are
- red [fire]
- green [water]
- yellow [earth]
- blue [sky/space]
- white [air/wind]
Tibetans believe that as the flags blow in the wind, they will spread the good will into the all-pervading space, and bring benefit to all.
It is natural for these flags in the Himalayas to fade and fray - they are traditionally left unhemmed to enable this to happen, symbolic of the passing of all things.
As far as I am aware, my friendly neighbour is not a Buddhist - but I like the idea of our flapping displays promoting peace, compassion, strength and wisdom around the neighbourhood!