Local Customs & Etiquette in Lhasa, China
1. Jokhang Temple Dress Code
Visitors must wear modest clothing and remove hats when entering this sacred Buddhist temple.
- Respect for Religion: Shows respect towards the religious beliefs of the local Tibetans.
- Avoid Offense: Preventing offense to the temple's devotees and monks.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity by adhering to local customs.
2. Tibetan Tea House Etiquette
In tea houses, it's customary to pour tea for others before oneself and leave a small amount in the cup.
- Reciprocity: Establishes mutual respect by reciprocating actions.
- Politeness: Shows politeness and consideration towards others.
- Friendship Building: Builds friendships by engaging in shared tea ceremonies.
3. Offering Butters Lamoo
Offerings of butter lamps and incense are made at monasteries as a sign of respect.
- Religious Practice: Shows adherence to local religious practices.
- Respect for Deities: Pay respects to the deities and monks at monasteries.
- Promoting Peace: Helps promote peace and harmony in the community.
4. Monastery Photography Rules
Some monasteries do not allow photography inside or during religious ceremonies.
- Respect for Religion: Shows respect towards the sacredness of monastery life.
- Privacy: Respects the privacy and solemnity of religious ceremonies.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the cultural integrity of monasteries.
5. Tibetan Bowing Etiquette
Bowing is a common gesture of respect in Tibetan culture, especially when meeting elders or entering temples.
- Respect for Elders: Shows respect and deference towards elders.
- Religious Devotion: Expresses religious devotion during visits to temples.
- Humility: Demonstrates humility and willingness to learn from others.
6. Tibetan Greeting Tashicheyen
Tibetans greet each other by pressing palms together in prayer position and saying 'tashi delek' or 'tashi delek la'
- Spiritual Connection: Establishes a spiritual connection through the greeting.
- Respect: Shows respect and friendship towards others.
- Warmth: Expresses warmth and friendliness towards others.
7. Tibetan Market Bartering
Bartering is a common practice in local markets. Offerings and counteroffers are made until both parties agree on a price.
- Skill Negotiation: Develops negotiation skills and haggling techniques.
- Building Relationships: Builds relationships with local vendors through open communication.
- Cultural Exchange: Encourages cultural exchange and understanding between travelers and locals.
8. Tibetan Family Mealtime Etiquette
Family meals are an important time to share stories, catch up, and connect. Wait for the eldest family member before starting to eat.
- Respect for Elders: Shows respect towards elders by waiting for them to start eating.
- Family Bonding: Strengthens family bonds through shared meals and conversations.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves traditional Tibetan family values and customs.
9. Monastic Debate Ceremony Etiquette
Visitors must remain quiet and respectful during the monastic debate ceremonies in the Jokhang Temple.
- Respect for Learning: Shows respect for the centuries-old learning tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve the traditional monastic debate ceremony.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Maintains a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere during the ceremonies.
10. Visiting Monks' Quarters Etiquette
Avoid visiting monks' living quarters without permission and always be respectful when doing so.
- Respect for Privacy: Shows respect for the privacy of monks in their living quarters.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity towards Tibetan Buddhist monastic life.
- Preservation of Tradition: Helps preserve the traditional living arrangements of Tibetan Buddhist monks.
11. Tibetan New Year Celebrations
Celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year) by participating in traditional dance performances and prayer ceremonies.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience of Tibetan traditions.
- Community Bonding: Builds community bonding by joining in the celebrations.
- Respect for Traditions: Shows respect and appreciation for Tibetan cultural traditions.
12. Tibetan Thangka Art Appreciation
Appreciate the intricate details of traditional Tibetan thangka paintings, which depict Buddhist deities and scenes.
- Art Appreciation: Expands knowledge and appreciation for Tibetan art.
- Religious Education: Gains understanding of Buddhist deities, symbols, and teachings.
- Cultural Preservation: Helps preserve traditional Tibetan art and religious symbolism.
13. Tibetan Pilgrimage Circuit Customs
Circumambulate (kora) the holy sites in a clockwise direction as part of a spiritual pilgrimage.
- Religious Practice: Performs a traditional Tibetan Buddhist religious practice.
- Respect for the Sacred: Shows respect for the spiritual significance of holy sites.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerses oneself in Tibetan Buddhist culture and beliefs.
14. Tibetan Hospitality
Expect warm hospitality from locals, who may offer tea or food as a sign of friendship.
- Friendliness: Experiences the friendliness and openness of Tibetan people.
- Sharing Culture: Gains insights into the local culture through shared experiences.
- Building Relationships: Strengthens bonds with local people and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
15. Tibetan Language Learning
Learn basic Tibetan phrases to connect with locals and show respect for their culture.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity towards local customs.
- Cross-cultural Understanding: Fosters cross-cultural understanding and communication.
- Building Friendships: Builds friendships with locals through shared language learning experiences.