Deciphering prayer flags: On the winds of prayer from Kuensel

What colours

According to Lopon Pema Gyeltshen, one should know the colour of prayer flags when planning to hoist one as they carry great significance.

White – to clear your path from barchey (obstacles)

Yellow –to earn merit

Red – to curb the power of enemies. For example, in wars or even when facing an opponent at an archery match

Green – to ward off envy and jealousy

Blue – if something you planned, like business, is not going according to plan

The five colours also symbolize the five elements – blue-wind, white-water, red-fire, green-space and yellow-earth.