Taboos in Tibet

Tibetans have formed their own living-habits and taboos. We are going to introduce some tips for you so when visiting Tibet, you won’t be breaking the local custom without knowing it.

1.When two friends meet again after a long separation, one's hand should not be putting upon the other's shoulder.

2.Do not stride over or step on other people's clothes or put your clothes on others' hand.

3.Women's clothes, especially trousers and underwear, are kept away from public areas especially the places where people often pass by.

4.Do not sweep the floor or throw away rubbish when families traveling far or guests leaving at noon/sunset, or on the first day in Tibetan calendar.

5.Strangers do not mention the passed-away's name in front of the his/her family.

6.The work that should be finished in this year would not be left to the next year, such as twisting wool, weaving sweater and carpet etc.

7.At night, people do not go to others' room at random, especially the families that have pregnant woman or the heavy patient.

8.Do not make a racket when you visit a mountain or canyon which is entirely strange to you.

9.  Do not stride cross or step on the dining appliances, such as boilers, bowls and so on.

10.Women don’t wash their hair at night. They do not go out with hair disheveled, either.

11.When using besom and dustpan, do not pass them by hand directly. You should put them down on the floor and the other people pick them up again.

12.When relatives and friends drop by with ghee or Qing Ke, you should leave a little or exchange some for guests.

13.Do not use the jagged or rimose bowl at dinner.

To know more about Tibetan Folk Custom.