Believers of the "Fairy Festival" in Xizang went to Jokhang Temple at 5 a.m. to pray for Buddha

Xizang's "Fairy Festival" believers went to Jokhang Temple at 5 a.m. to pray for Buddha (Photo source: Chinanews)

It is said that women will drink wine that flows from the bottom of the pot and is "blessed" by the goddess, and will have good luck in the coming year. (Photo source: Chinanews. com)

November 28, 2012 is the 15th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. On this day, women in Xizang ushered in a festival of special significance to them-Fairy Festival. On the festival day, women in Xizang can receive both the protection of the goddess and the "special attention" of men.

The Fairy Festival originated from folklore. It is said that Bai Ram, daughter of Bandaram, one of the Buddhist guardians, fell in love with Chizunzan, the patron god of Jokhang Temple. However, due to her mother Bandaram's opposition, the two could only meet each year on October 15th of the Tibetan calendar. However, Bai Ram was kind at heart and especially protected women and children, so he was admired by believers. This festival also has similarities with the Qixi Festival in the mainland.

On the afternoon of October 14th of the Tibetan calendar, the frog-faced statue of Bailam Auspicious Tien Mother was invited to the patio of Jokhang Temple. Monks in Jokhang Temple painted gold powder on the statue while people worshipped to prepare for the Fairy Festival.

At about 5 a.m. on the Fairy Day, believers flocked to Jokhang Temple from all directions in stars and moon. Under the night, people threw mulberry leaves and butter into the mulberry stewing stove to show their piety. Many believers also bowed their heads in front of the Jokhang Temple and recited Buddhist scriptures to pray.

In the early morning of that day, the sub-zero temperature did not hinder the enthusiasm of the believers. There were crowds and singing in Jokhang Temple. Believers passed clockwise in front of the frog-faced auspicious Tianmu statue, either throwing hada or offering flowers.

In the patio, women dressed in beautiful clothes from all over Xizang sang and danced hand in hand and gathered in the Jokhang Temple. In addition to singing and dancing, they did not forget to taste the highland barley wine and have fun.

Some believers who brought their own highland barley wine poured the wine into the wine pot located in the center of the Jokhang Temple courtyard, and then drank from the mouth of the pot. They believe that such wine is wine that has been "blessed" by the goddess and will bring them good luck.

Today's Fairy Day has evolved into a festival for Tibetan women. In addition to going to the temple to worship, they will dress themselves up carefully and generously ask men for money for the Fairy Day gift. Men cannot refuse, and can only have good luck if they give it readily.

Editor: Yang Xi) .