Tibetan Khata

Tibetan Khata

Khata is a traditional ceremonial scarf in Tibetan Buddhism. It originated in Tibetan culture and is common in cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has strong influence. The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and is worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan khatas are usually white, symbolising the pure heart of the giver, though it is quite common to find yellow-gold khata as well.

According to some historical materials, khata was introduced to Tibet during the Yuan Dynasty.The first khata brought back to Tibet was painted with the pattern of the Great Wall on the two sides and embroidered with the words "good luck". Therefore, it can be said that khata was introduced to Tibet from the mainland and was mainly produced in Chengdu, Sichuan.

According to the traditions, there are many rules on giving khata to other people. When giving khata to the elders, one need to hold it with both hands or give it the agent. While giving khata to the younger generations or subordinates, one can put the khata on other’s neck. If khata is given to the peer, the Tibetans normally give it to the peer’s hands. According to different occasions, there are also different ways of giving and offering khata.

Khata means “ceremonial scarf” in Tibetan language. Khata was originally a precious offering that was piously worshipped to the gods in Tibetan religious ceremonies. It was also a gift for the monks to give each other. As the society and economy grows, khata has become the most common gift for Tibetan people.

On the basis of the materials, khata is divided into three types:“Suxi”made from cotton, less than 1 meter long;“Axi”made from general silk, about 2 meters long; "Lang Cui" made from high-end silk, more than 3 meters long, wildly used by the high-level officials and important figures in the religion.

Khata can be divided into two types colorwise: one is the white khata symbolizing pure and auspicious; the other is the colored khata, including blue and yellow khata. The blue ones are wildly used in girls’ coming-of-age ceremonies, and are tied to the bride's hair. Yellow khatas are generally dedicated to sorghum, living Buddha, etc.