28 February 2006

For all of you who are so damn curious why i'm so damn unique [hint: it may have to do with the fact that "my religion is kindness" ]

TASHI DELEK. LOSAR 2006: YEAR OF THE MALE FIRE DOG.

Losar is the name of the Tibetan New Year. In the Tibetan language, "Lo" means "New" and "Sar" means "Year".

The Losar festival pre-dates Buddhism in Tibet and goes back to the time when the Bon religion held sway in that country. In those days, incense was burned every winter in purification rituals used to placate the gods. As irrigation, cultivation, and refinement techniques were introduced, Losar ceremonies became more celebratory, as a gesture of thanks to the gods for the budding innovations. Eventually with the advent of rudimentary astrology, Losar became more than a farmerÂ’s festival, mutating into a Buddhist festival, celebrating the New Year.

As a tradition in my family (as in most tibetans) the weekend before Losar all the girls in the family get together to gossip and cook traditional biscuits offered to the alters and served once a year during Losar: Kap-say. Made of primarily butter and dough (think funnel cake meets shortbread meats fry bread) we shape them in the various designs such as the auspicious lotus symbol and the eternal knot (i know i should of had some pictures) and then fry them.

The night before the eve of Losar (this year it was Sunday February 26th) the custom is to make a special noodle called guthuk. It is made of nine different ingredients including dried cheese and various grains. Also, dough balls are given out with various ingredients hidden in them such as chilies, salt, wool, rice and coal. The ingredients one finds hidden in one's dough ball are supposed to be a lighthearted comment on one's character. If a person finds chilies in their dough, it means they are talkative. If white-colored ingredients like salt, wool or rice are inside the dough it is considered a good sign. If a person finds coal in the dough the expression is said that they have a "cold heart." Its all in good nature though and it is a prime symbol that Losar has begun.

On the day of Losar (which in my family is usually celebrated on the first Saturday) a morning prayerceremonyy is commenced where everyonereceivess blessings from everyone elder to them. Until you are married, if you approach anyone elder to you they are obliged to give their blessings along with money (red envelope). Its a whole day/night event in my family. Usually starting at 11AM til 3AM no lie. This year we had over 90 people in my house. And the Lamas get down. Hella food (which starts to be prepared up to 3 weeks in advance),alcohol and of course the garage scene danceroom.



SARI AND ALL THE GIRLS JOINED ME AGAIN THIS YEAR, THATS OUR ALTER IN THE BACKGROUND



THE INFAMOUS POPPA LAMA