Losar Festival
The word Losar has been derived from two Tibetan words, Lo means “year” and Sar means “new”. The combination of these two words makes New Year which is known as Losar in Tibet. Losar is considered to be the most significant festival of Buddhist community of Tibet and is celebrated for 15 days. Losar is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and usually falls in the month of January, February, and March according to Gregorian calendar.
On the first day of New Year, people rise early and dress in their finest and new clothes, and stay at home. On the second day, people will go out to visit friends and relatives and on the third day they will visit monasteries, shrines and stupas and give offerings.
2014 will be the wood-horse year. There is a 12 year cycle of animals that makes the zodiac. These interact with the five elements: wood, metal, fire, earth and water. All the elements are components of the earth, they all are interdependent. Each element has its own strength and weakness, and they have equal influence over each other.
The 12 year cycle of animals:
1. Rat: Innovative, intelligent and full of crafty ideas.
2. Ox: Honest, patient and conservative.
3. Tiger: Brave, dare to take risks.
4. Rabbit: Good characters, gentle, talented, friendly and always gracious.
5. Dragon: Unique, energetic and overly-dramatic with an interesting imagination.
6. Snake: Talented, graceful as well as also wise and subtle in their ways.
7. Horse: High spirited and energetic with positive outlook.
8. Ram: Loving and gentle, also elegant and creative.
9. Monkey: Fun people, confident, energetic, happy and also curious.
10. Rooster: Punctual people, totally reliable and independent.
11. Dog: Loyal and honest people and also helpful and positive.
12. Pig: Noble and strong with lasting friendships
People born under each element have the following characteristics:
Metal: ambitious, competitive; good leadership qualities, discipline; strong instincts in dealing with money; independent.
Earth: naturally organised and an effective planner; serious and practical; analytical; wise and intelligent; discipline, reliable, and stable.
Fire: spontaneous and versatile; charismatic and attractive; positive and ambitious; self motivated and adventurous; creative and decisive.
Wood: warm and sociable; adaptable and diplomatic; practical and organised; always keen to grow.
Water: diplomatic, good communicator; influencer; open minded; soft hearted and gentle; observant and very aware.
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay
photo: tibet.net
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangy said in his Losar message to the Tibetan people that it is important that we follow our religious rituals and wear traditional attire ,so that we can pass on these customs to the younger generation. During Losar, said Sikyong, it is traditional for elders to pass on their experiences to the younger generation as it is important for them to learn the oral history of their family and their ancestral origins. If we forget our roots, we face the danger of a gradual weakening of our identity and the Tibetan spirit. Sikyong reminds people of Tibetans inside Tibet: “we should always remember our brothers and sisters inside Tibet who are living under immeasurable repression and hardship.”
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