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The Tibetan Nationality |
This is a world of snow and ice. This is the land where several famous rivers originate and where snowcapped mountains are found. On this "roof of the world," live the Tibetan people--an important member of the big family of Chinese nationalities.
The Tibetan Nationality is one of the oldest in China. The people have their own language,in both spoken and written forms, and they believe in Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetans mainly live in the Tibet Autonomous Region with the rest forming Tibetan communities in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. The Tibetans have produced vast collections of first -class achievements in the areas of astronomy,medicine, literature, drama,painting, sculpture and architecture.
The Tibetans believe that their ancestors evolved from monkeys. According to historical records, the Tibetans inhabited the Qingzang Plateau as early as 5000 years ago. In the 7th century A.D., the Tibetan king, Songtsan Gampo unified the whole region and established the Tupo Dynasty. The marriage of this Tibetan king to Princess Wencheng from Changan and Princess Chizun from Nepal, helped to introduce Buddhism and developed Tibetan culture.
Tibetans' grand monasteries represent their architecture. The Potala Palace in Lhasa is an outstanding example of Tibetan architecture following the style of traditional Tibetan houses,neat and orderly in appearance, practical for protection against wind and cold.
The Tibetans wear various kinds of costumes made of silk, sheep's skin, wool and cotton.Costumes for men are bold and loose, and for women, elegant and graceful. A man's robe is usually longer than his height, so that when he wears it, he has to lift the gown and tie it with a waist band, leaving the lower hems of the gown 30 to 40 centimeters above his feet. Women
wear jewelry, mostly gold and silver. The sleeves of their shirts are usually longer than their arms and are used as a feature in Tibetan dances.
The art of the Tibetan religion has its own unique forms seen in Thangka, mural painting, and sculpture. Thangka is a kind of scroll painting drawn on cotton rolls. The stories shown are usually religious. Butter sculpture, which originated several hundred years ago, is a unique Tibetan art. During the Lantern Festival every year, butter sculptures made by the Tibetan Lamas are on display. The sculptures are based on the stories of history and religion. The brightness in colours and vivid life-like figures and flowers amaze many visitors.
Yaks, known as the "Boat of the Plateau," are essential to the life of the Tibetans. They are the major source of meat and milk, and they also serve as the means of transportation because of their tolerance of cold in the snowy mountains. Zamba, made from the flour baked highland barley mixed with butter, sugar and tea, is a staple food for the Tibetans against the harsh weather.
Since its introduction 1300 years ago, Buddhism has developed a unique form in Tibet.Blending religion with their history and culture, the Tibetan Buddhism has extended into every aspects of Tibetan life. Among the vast collections of the religious works and scriptures, the two most famous are Kanjur and Danjur.
Tibetan medicine has a history of more than 3000 years. According to historical record, the first Tibetan king of the Tupo Dynasty already had his personal doctor. Incorporating elements of medical theory and practice from the Han and India peoples, Tibetan medicine developed into its own system. The famous doctor Yutog Yondan gonbo, wrote his masterpiece"Four Volumes of the Tibetan Medicine" in the 7th century. The book, a summary of his experience in different places and countries, including Han, India and Nepal, is of great value even now.
The important festivals of the Tibetans include Tibetan New Year, the Buddha- Demonstrating Day, the Sagadawa Festival, the Horserace Gathering and Bathing Festival. In addition to these, the Ongkor Festival is observed in July or August depending on the Tibetan calendar.This is the day for Tibetans to inspect their crops and celebrate a good harvest in advance. Because of this it is also known as a harvest festival. During the festival, the Tibetans are in their holiday best bringing their offerings and walking around the field to pray for a good harvest. After that, they have different kinds of celebrations such as horseracing, singing and dancing. Like many other nomadic people in the world, the Tibetans have special feelings for fine horses. The Horse-racing Gathering held annually in July is one of the most important traditional activities for the Tibetans. The competitors are young men below 20 years old, and the competition helps them in the development of their bravery and daring.
"Xai(gzhas)," one kind of folk dance, is dominated by songs. It's a joyful dance performed in group accompanied by songs. Hand in hand, the dancers face each other, women on one side and men in the other side. They sing while they dance. They start slowly and gather speed gradually. "Qam(vchams)" is a kind of dance performed at religious ceremonies, It is based on Tibetan folk dance and has developed a set form featuring accompaniment of drums,cymbals, and trumpets and the praying of Lamas. It is an impressive and inspiring sight.
Recent policy changes have stimulated economic growth in the Tibetan areas, and people's ideas are changing. Tibetans are coming out from the villages to participate in joint venture business schemes and exchange programs, They are making their own contribution to the whole of China.
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