Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The People of Tibet
Tibetans have a unique identity that mixes influences from their Himalayan
neighbours, extreme mountain environment and war-like past. In terms of
language, script, food, temperament and above all religion, they are poles
apart from their Han Chinese neighbours. Where the Chinese drink their tea
green, Tibetans take theirs with yak butter; when the rest of China eats rice
and drinks rice wine, Tibetans eat tsampa (roasted-barley flour) washed
down with barley beer.
When going over a pass, Tibetans say, '
Ki ki so so, lha gyalo!'
('May the gods be victori-
ous!'), which may have its origins in an ancient battle cry.
Traditional Lifestyle
Tibetans are such a deeply religious people that a basic knowledge of Buddhism is essential
in understanding their world view. Buddhism permeates most facets of Tibetan daily life
and shapes aspirations in ways that are often quite alien to the Western frame of mind. The
ideas of accumulating merit, of sending sons to be monks, of undertaking pilgrimages, and
of devotion to the sanctity and power of natural places are all elements of the unique fusion
between Buddhism and the older shamanistic Bön faith.
Traditionally there have been at least three distinct segments of Tibetan society: the
drokpa
(nomads);
rongpa
(farmers); and
sangha
(communities of monks and nuns). All
lead very different lives but share a deep faith in Buddhism.
These communities have also shared a remarkable resistance to change. Until the early
20th century Tibet was a land in which virtually the only use for the wheel was as a device
for activating mantras. Tibet has changed more in the past 50 years than in the previous
500, although many traditional social structures have endured Chinese attempts at icono-
clasm.
Nomads' marriage customs differ from those of farming communities. When a child
reaches a marriageable age, enquiries are made, and when a suitable match is found the two
people meet and exchange gifts. If they like each other, these informal meetings may go on
