Birthday Traditions in Tibet

by Waza
(Kentucky)

Tibetan children do not celebrate birthdays in the same manner as children in the West. Most Tibetan children grow up never having celebrated a birthday. Only children of officials and important religious incarnates' birthdays are acknowledged.

Because of this, most Tibetan children do not know when they were born. In the past when a child was born, the family would erect a stone pillar on the walls of their house to announce to the village the birth of a child. There is no official recognition in the form of a Birth Certificate.

The child turns two when the next year arrives, regardless of whether that is one day or twelve months in the future. This is to take into account the nine months the child has spent in the mother's womb.

As a result, the age of Tibetan children is usually one year more than their real age.

By contrast, the birthdays for important religious leaders are celebrated publicly. It often becomes a time for lavish picnics and festivals. During these celebrations, each family meets with their relatives at a favorite gathering spot and spend a few days camping out. Sleeping under the stars is the best part!

Later, they join other families at a grassland where they can engage in nonstop song and dance routines. A lot of chang, the local brew, is consumed during these times! The men participate in horse racing ... not just racing, but competing in various warrior tasks on the back of a horse.

One such competition includes archery. The riders gallop down a path where various targets are placed. And the horsemen try to hit as many targets as possible with bow and arrow as they gallop.

These festivals may go on for weeks, depending upon the importance of the official or religious leader, and how much the family can afford paying for lavish public parties.