An Overview of Traditional Tibetan Culture

Ethnic Origins

The Tibetan people trace their origins to an early agricultural tribe in the central Yarlung Tsangpo River basin. Archaeological evidence suggests that Tibetan ancestors lived and multiplied in this region more than 4,000 years ago. According to Chinese historical texts, Tibetans are a branch of the ancient Qiang people from the Han Dynasty era. Like many peoples who passed through the Stone Age, early Tibetans went through stages of communal gathering and hunting before gradually learning animal husbandry and farming. In the Yarlung region on the southern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the early Tibetans later split into six tribes known collectively as the Six Yak Tribes. In the 6th century, the leader of the Yarlung tribe united the tribes and assumed the title of "King" (Tibetan: Tsampo).

Tibetan Beliefs

Tibetan religious beliefs can generally be divided into three categories:

• Indigenous Bon religion, which evolved from primitive beliefs;

• Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced in the 7th century and gradually developed into a unique form;

• Various forms of rural and nomadic folk beliefs.

The majority of Tibetans are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, which includes several major schools: Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug. Tibetan Buddhism is known for its vast monastic community, distinctive temple architecture, and the unique reincarnation system of living Buddhas (tulkus). Among them, the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama lineages are the most prominent. To date, there have been fourteen incarnations of the Dalai Lama and eleven of the Panchen Lama. Tibetan festivals and customs are closely tied to Buddhism, with religious ceremonies held on important dates such as the Buddha’s birthday and the anniversary of Master Tsongkhapa’s passing.

Tibetan Culture

Tibetan culture is the comprehensive outcome of the Tibetan people's long-standing interaction with nature and society. It embodies both material and spiritual civilization. Rooted in indigenous beliefs and Bon philosophy, Tibetan culture has also absorbed elements from other ethnic groups. Developed within the unique geographical and cultural environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it exhibits distinct ethnic characteristics.

Tibetan Calendar

The Tibetan calendar, which governs the traditional festivals of the Tibetan people, has a long history. Records indicate that as early as 100 BCE, Tibetans used a lunar-based calendar to calculate days, months, and years. By the Yuan Dynasty, Tibet had developed a distinctive calendar system combining the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and Five Elements. It also adopted elements from the Mongolian calendar, establishing the first day of the first lunar month as New Year’s Day. The Tibetan calendar was officially adopted in 1027 CE when the Indian Kalachakra calendar was translated into Tibetan and introduced into Tibet.

The Tibetan New Year is a crucial component of Tibetan folk, ancient, and religious culture. It plays a vital role in the study of Tibetan cultural evolution, customs, and ideological trends, and is essential for preserving and promoting traditional cultural heritage.

Tibetan Medicine

Tibetan medicine, with a history of over 2,000 years, is the traditional medical knowledge system of the Tibetan people. It took shape during the Tubo Kingdom era and experienced unprecedented development under King Trisong Detsen. The father of Tibetan medicine, Yuthok Yonten Gonpo, compiled the Four Medical Tantras by integrating traditional Tibetan practices with foreign medical knowledge.

Tibetan medical theory holds that the human body is governed by three primary factors: Lung (wind), Tripa (bile), and Beken (phlegm); supported by seven essential substances (essence of food, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive fluid); and three excretory substances (feces, urine, and sweat).

• Lung governs respiration, movement, sensory perception, digestion, and reproduction.

• Tripa generates heat, regulates body temperature and complexion, and controls hunger, digestion, courage, and wisdom.

• Beken transports fluids, balances weight, manages taste, sleep, and emotional disposition.

Illness is believed to result from environmental changes, lifestyle factors, and imbalances among the three energies. Diseases are classified as either "hot" or "cold," and patients are categorized into Lung, Tripa, or Beken types. Treatments include internal medicines and external therapies, following the principle: "treat heat with cold, and cold with heat."

Tibetan Attire

Tibetan clothing varies by region but generally features bold and dynamic styles for men, and graceful, elegant designs for women—often adorned with elaborate jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones. Tibetan dress is colorful and known for its unique color combinations and patterns, showcasing the rich aesthetics of plateau culture.

Tibetan Cuisine

Tibetans have developed a distinctive dietary structure and culinary traditions. The "four treasures" of Tibetan cuisine are butter, tea, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and beef/mutton. Other staples include barley wine and various dairy products, all tailored to the plateau environment and pastoral lifestyle.

Tibetan Etiquette

Offering a khata (ceremonial scarf) is the highest form of hospitality in Tibetan culture, symbolizing warm welcome and sincere respect for guests.
The word khata means "scarf" in Tibetan and is typically white, representing purity and goodwill.

Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism—also called the Tibetan-language school of Buddhism or, colloquially, "Lamaism"—is deeply woven into Tibetan life. The six-syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is one of the most revered chants, symbolizing the compassion and blessings of the bodhisattvas. Tibetans believe that diligent prayer is the key to spiritual enlightenment and future happiness, and this mantra is the most frequently recited in daily practice.