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Khata
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| Khata | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 A Tibetan khata | |||||||||||||||
| Chinese name | |||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 哈達 | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Tibetan name | |||||||||||||||
| Tibetan | ཁ་བཏགས་ | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Mongolian name | |||||||||||||||
| Mongolian Cyrillic | хадаг | ||||||||||||||
| Mongolian script | ᠬᠠᠳᠠᠭ | ||||||||||||||
| Nepali name | |||||||||||||||
| Nepali | खतक khatak | ||||||||||||||
| Dzongkha name | |||||||||||||||
| Dzongkha | བཀབ་ནས | ||||||||||||||
| Buryat name | |||||||||||||||
| Buryat | хадаг khadag | ||||||||||||||
| Tuvan name | |||||||||||||||
| Tuvan | кадак kadak | ||||||||||||||
| Kyrgyz name | |||||||||||||||
| Kyrgyz | حاداق хадак hadak | ||||||||||||||
A khata /ˈkætə/ or khatag[1][a] is a traditional ceremonial scarf in Tibetan Buddhism and in Tengriism.[5][better source needed] It is widely used by the Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Ladakhi, Mongolian, Buryat, and Tuvan peoples on various occasions. It originated in Tibetan culture and is common in cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has strong influence.[citation needed] The practice of using khatas has influenced people of other communities too who are in close relation to these communities. It is predominantly used in Tibet, followed by other parts of the world. It is a symbol of honour and respect. It is used in Tibetan religious ceremony and in traditional dances, and is offered in monasteries and in temples.
In Nepal, a khata is used as a gift for various occasions like wedding, graduation, electoral victory, winning an award and several other major lifestones. Generally, the guests or invitees at the reception would put khata on the host of such parties. It is used by both Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal in that manner.
History
[edit]Tibetan people used to give animal skins as gifts because there was no silk in Tibet. According to the Bon historical record, people would put sheep wool around their necks during the time of the ninth king, Degong Jayshi, and head for some religious rituals. This tradition was passed down from that moment onwards. People began making scarves and using silk over time. So, the scarf replaced the plain sheep's wool and people put scarves on the neck and head.
Uses and types
[edit]The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and is worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. When given as a farewell gesture it symbolizes a safe journey. When given to arriving guests it symbolizes welcome. They were usually made of silk but now much more commonly cotton or polyester. Tibetan khatas are usually white, symbolising the pure heart of the giver,[6] though it is quite common to find yellow-gold khata as well. Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese khatas feature the ashtamangala. There are also special multi-colored khatas. Mongolian khatas are usually blue, symbolizing the blue sky. In Mongolia, khatas are also often tied to ovoos, suvargas, or special trees and rocks.
Explanatory notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Das, Sarat Chandra (1902). Rockhill., William Woodville (ed.). Journey to Lhasa and Central Tibet. London: Royal Geographical Society. p. 32. OCLC 557688339.
... handing him a scarf (khatag), I expressed the hope that we might meet next year.
- ^ 现代汉语词典(第七版) [A Dictionary of Current Chinese (Seventh Edition).]. 北京. Beijing: 商务印书馆. The Commercial Press. 1 September 2016. p. 505. ISBN 978-7-100-12450-8.
【哈达】 hǎdá
- ^ 现代汉语规范词典(第3版) [A Standard Dictionary of Current Chinese (Third Edition).]. 北京. Beijing: 外语教学与研究出版社. Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. May 2014. p. 507. ISBN 978-7-513-54562-4.
【哈达】 hǎdá
- ^ "教育部《重編國語辭典修訂本》2021".
- ^ "The Eternal Blue Sky" (PDF). Hoop. 2014. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
- ^ Staff. "Khata/Tibet "roof of the world"". Oracle ThinkQuest Education Foundation. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Khata / Haddak at Wikimedia Commons
Khata
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
A khata (Tibetan: ཁ་བཏགས་, Wylie: kha btags; also spelled khatag or hada) is a traditional ceremonial scarf, typically made of silk or fine fabric, used in Tibetan Buddhist and related cultures to convey respect, goodwill, and auspicious blessings.[1][2] Offered by draping it over the recipient's neck or holding it aloft during presentations, the khata symbolizes purity, harmony, and the sincerity of the giver's intentions, and is integral to greetings, religious ceremonies, weddings, and honors for guests, lamas, or deities.[3][4][5]
The color of the khata carries specific connotations rooted in Tibetan cosmology: white for purity and compassion, blue for the eternal sky and wisdom, yellow for prosperity and the earth's abundance, green for vitality and water's life-giving force, and red for the transformative power of life energy, though white remains the most common for general respect.[1][6] This practice extends beyond Tibet to regions influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, including Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and among Tibetan diaspora communities, where it facilitates social bonds and ritual purity.[7][8]
Historical origins trace to at least the 7th century during the Tibetan Empire under King Songtsen Gampo, with legends linking it to fairy ribbons or diplomatic exchanges from the Han Dynasty, evolving into a ubiquitous emblem of etiquette and devotion amid the spread of Buddhism.[6][9][7] While traditionally handwoven with auspicious symbols or mantras, modern production often uses synthetic materials, raising concerns about cultural dilution and environmental impact from disposability in ritual contexts.[4][10]
In Mongolian traditions, the khata—termed hada—retains these connotations of harmony and reverence, adapted within shamanistic-Buddhist syncretism to emphasize communal bonds and spiritual safeguarding.[8] Bhutanese usage extends the symbolism to holiness and supremacy, drawing from folklore where it represents ethereal purity, yet maintains the core ethic of respectful exchange in ceremonial and daily life.[18] Across these regions, the khata's enduring symbolism fosters interpersonal and devotional connections, grounded in shared Buddhist values of impermanence and ethical purity rather than material value.[2][3]
In Tibetan Buddhism, the khata serves as a key ceremonial offering symbolizing purity, respect, and the auspicious exchange of blessings between practitioners and spiritual figures such as lamas, rinpoches, or deities. It embodies goodwill and sincerity, often presented at the conclusion of teachings, empowerments, or rituals to express gratitude for guidance toward enlightenment.[2][41][20] White khatas, predominant in these contexts, represent the untainted nature of the enlightened mind and are adorned with printed mantras or the eight auspicious symbols, invoking protection, purity, and the qualities of buddhahood. During offerings, the scarf is folded lengthwise into a double layer and then into seven folds—symbolizing interdependence and completeness—held with both hands while bowing deeply with palms joined, ensuring the open edges face the recipient to denote receptivity to wisdom.[2][20] In monastic and ritual settings, khatas are draped over statues, thangkas, altars, or images of high lamas like the Dalai Lama to consecrate spaces and invite divine presence during pujas, initiations, or daily devotions. Lamas may reciprocate by placing the returned khata over the offerer's neck, transferring merit and blessings, while the act underscores pure intention devoid of ego or negativity.[2][41][20] This practice integrates into broader Vajrayana protocols, accompanying dana or other gifts to support dharma activities, reinforcing the relational dynamics of guru-disciple transmission central to Tibetan lineages. Strict etiquette prevents the khata from touching the ground, preserving its sanctity as a conduit for positive karma.[41][20]
Terminology and Description
Etymology and Regional Names
The term khata derives from the Tibetan kha btags (ཁ་བཏགས་), an etymological compound where kha denotes the front, face, or neck area and btags signifies to hang, tie, or affix, thus referring to "something hung around the neck."[11] Common English transliterations include khatak, katak, and khada, reflecting phonetic variations in Romanization systems. In Mongolian contexts, the equivalent is termed hada (Cyrillic: хадаг), stemming from a native word denoting "scarf," as noted in historical accounts including those by Marco Polo in the 13th century describing similar offerings among Mongol peoples.[12] This nomenclature persists in Tengriist and Buddhist-influenced traditions among Buryats and Tuvans. Across broader Himalayan regions, the item retains near-identical naming among Bhutanese (khata) and Nepalese communities, while Chinese transliterations render it as xiàdá (夏布), adapting the Tibetan-Mongolian form for phonetic equivalence in Mandarin.[8]Physical Characteristics and Materials
A khata is a long, rectangular ceremonial scarf primarily constructed from silk, though variations in cotton or other fine fabrics exist.[13] High-quality examples feature smooth, lustrous silk fabric, often produced in regions like Banaras, India, known for silk weaving.[10] The standard dimensions of a khata typically range from 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) in length and 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) in width, allowing it to be draped around the neck or presented unfolded.[10][14] Specific examples include scarves measuring approximately 58 inches by 12 inches or 240 cm by 50 cm.[14][15] Colors are predominantly white or ivory, signifying purity and auspiciousness, with silk's natural sheen enhancing its ceremonial appearance.[13][2] Regional variations include sky blue in Mongolian contexts, representing the eternal sky, or other hues like green or yellow for specific symbolic purposes.[14] Many khata incorporate printed or woven designs, such as the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, including motifs like the endless knot or lotus flower, bordered along the edges for added elegance.[10] Plain versions without ornamentation are also common, emphasizing the scarf's simplicity and the intent of the offering.[13]Historical Development
Ancient Origins and Pre-Buddhist Uses
The khata, or ceremonial scarf, traces its roots to pre-Buddhist Tibetan practices associated with the indigenous Bon religion, which predates the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet in the 7th century CE under King Songtsen Gampo. Traditional accounts preserved in Bon records describe early khatas as simple sheep wool scarves draped around the neck, serving practical and ritual functions in nomadic highland life where wool provided warmth and symbolic protection against harsh elements.[3] These woolen items likely functioned as markers of alliance or reverence in tribal exchanges, reflecting the shamanistic elements of Bon, which emphasized harmony with natural forces and ancestral spirits through material offerings.[3] In pre-Buddhist contexts, such scarves or their precursors—possibly animal skins or barley flour (tsampa) rituals—were used in welcoming ceremonies among nomadic communities to signify goodwill, respect, and communal bonds, predating silk imports from China during the Tubo Kingdom era (circa 618–842 CE).[7] Bon practitioners may have employed these items in rites invoking deities or ensuring safe passage, as wool symbolized purity and endurance in Tibet's rugged terrain, though direct archaeological evidence remains scarce and reliant on oral and textual traditions from Bonpo sources.[3] This contrasts with later Buddhist adaptations, where silk elevated the khata's status, but underscores its evolution from utilitarian Bon customs rather than exogenous influences alone.Integration with Buddhism and Spread
The khata, a pre-existing ceremonial scarf in Tibetan nomadic and Central Asian traditions, was integrated into Buddhist practices as Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism took root in Tibet from the 7th century onward, beginning with King Songtsen Gampo's patronage in 641 CE.[7] This adaptation transformed the indigenous custom of offering scarves as tokens of respect—likely rooted in shamanistic exchanges—into a ritual emblem of purity, auspiciousness, and devotion within Buddhist frameworks, where the white color evoked the untainted mind and offerings signified homage to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, sangha).[5] Buddhist motifs, including the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala) such as the endless knot and lotus, were subsequently embroidered onto khatas, aligning them with tantric iconography and enhancing their role in monastic initiations, empowerments, and guru yoga ceremonies.[1] The spread of khata usage paralleled the dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism across the Himalayas and steppes, facilitated by monastic migrations and imperial patronage. In Mongolia, the practice was adopted during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 CE), when Kublai Khan appointed Tibetan lama Phagpa as imperial preceptor in 1270 CE, embedding khata offerings in Gelugpa rituals; by the 16th century, under Altan Khan's alliance with the Third Dalai Lama in 1578 CE, blue khatas emerged, symbolizing the eternal sky and adapting to Mongol cosmological elements while retaining Buddhist purity connotations.[16] [1] In Bhutan, Drukpa Kagyu lineages from Tibet, established by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century, incorporated khatas into state and religious protocols, such as coronations and temple dedications.[8] Similarly, in Nepal's Himalayan regions and parts of northern India, Sherpa and other communities under Tibetan Buddhist influence adopted khatas for welcoming lamas and pilgrimage rites by the 14th–15th centuries, extending the custom to diaspora contexts today.[8] This diffusion underscores how khata protocols preserved cultural continuity while accommodating local variations in color and symbolism.[1]Symbolic and Cultural Significance
Core Symbolism Across Traditions
The khata serves as a universal emblem of respect, goodwill, and auspicious blessings in Tibetan Buddhist and affiliated traditions, including those in Mongolia and Bhutan. Presented during greetings, to honor spiritual figures, or in rituals, it embodies pure intentions devoid of ulterior motives, often featuring woven auspicious symbols or mantras that invoke prosperity and harmony.[2][5] This gesture underscores compassion and sincerity, reflecting the donor's wish for the recipient's well-being and spiritual merit.[17] Color symbolism in khata aligns with elemental and cosmological principles shared across Himalayan Vajrayana cultures, where hues evoke natural forces and virtues. White, predominant in Tibetan and Mongolian contexts, signifies purity, truth, auspiciousness, kindness, and justice, mirroring the clarity of ethical conduct.[2][8] Blue represents the infinite sky and space, symbolizing vastness and open-mindedness; red denotes fire and life force, often linked to protective deities; yellow evokes earth's abundance and prosperity; and green signifies water's vitality and growth.[2][5][8]| Color | Associated Element | Core Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| White | Air/Wind | Purity, sincerity, auspiciousness, justice[2][5] |
| Blue | Sky/Space | Vastness, peace, infinite potential[2][8] |
| Red | Fire | Life force, protection, vitality[5][8] |
| Yellow | Earth | Prosperity, longevity, abundance[8][6] |
| Green | Water | Growth, harmony, renewal[8] |
Etiquette and Protocols for Presentation
The presentation of a khata follows specific protocols rooted in Tibetan cultural and Buddhist traditions, emphasizing respect, purity, and auspicious intent. The scarf must be clean, free of wrinkles, and preferably new to symbolize sincerity, as reusing a soiled or creased khata is considered disrespectful.[7] When offering, the presenter holds the khata with both open palms extended forward, often bending slightly at the waist to convey humility.[5] The open end of the scarf faces the recipient, signifying an invitation to receive blessings without obstruction.[19] Folding the khata adheres to symbolic conventions: it is first folded lengthwise in half to represent interdependence, then typically accordion-folded into seven sections—evoking the seven steps of the Buddha's birth—or loosely rolled for ease of handling before unfurling during presentation.[20] For recipients of high status, such as lamas, elders, or dignitaries, the khata is held elevated above the presenter's head with folded hands near the forehead, accompanied by a slight bow to denote reverence.[21] In contrast, offerings to peers or friends involve holding the khata at chest level, maintaining the lengthwise fold to symbolize mutual connection.[22] During ceremonies, such as welcoming guests or honoring teachers, the presenter may accompany the gesture with the greeting "Tashi Delek," invoking auspiciousness, while ensuring the khata drapes loosely over the recipient's neck or shoulders upon acceptance.[23] Recipients of authority, like rinpoches, often return the khata by placing it over the presenter's head, signifying acceptance and reciprocal blessing.[17] Protocols vary slightly by regional custom, but deviations from cleanliness or proper orientation are viewed as inauspicious, potentially diminishing the offering's spiritual efficacy.[8]Regional Variations and Uses
Tibetan and Himalayan Contexts
In Tibetan society, the khata (kha btags in Tibetan script ཁ་བཏགས་) functions as a versatile ceremonial offering, presented to express respect, gratitude, and auspicious wishes during interpersonal and ritual interactions.[2] It is customarily draped over the recipient's neck, whether to honored guests upon arrival, lamas during teachings, or even Buddha images in monasteries, symbolizing the transfer of pure intentions.[4] This practice permeates daily life in Tibet, from welcoming visitors at Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple to farewells at nomadic encampments, reinforcing social bonds and spiritual merit accumulation.[1] Across Himalayan Tibetan-influenced regions such as Ladakh and Mustang, the khata adapts to local terrains while retaining core Tibetan Buddhist protocols, often featured in monastic festivals like the Hemis Festival in Ladakh where monks receive scarves amid masked dances.[24] In these areas, khatas mark life transitions—births, weddings, graduations—and ritual dedications, with offerings to high lamas believed to invoke protective blessings against environmental hardships like altitude sickness or harsh winters.[25] Ethnographic accounts note its role in fostering community cohesion among transhumant herders, where a khata exchange seals alliances or resolves disputes, underscoring its practical utility beyond mere symbolism.[26] The etiquette of presentation emphasizes humility: the offerer holds the khata folded lengthwise with both hands, palms pressed together, bowing slightly to avoid direct eye contact with superiors, a gesture rooted in Vajrayana deference to spiritual hierarchy.[27] In high-altitude Himalayan hermitages, such as those in Dolpo, khatas may accompany medicinal herb offerings to yogis, blending secular hospitality with esoteric rites performed at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters.[28] This enduring custom, documented in 20th-century expeditions like those by Giuseppe Tucci in the 1930s, highlights the khata's resilience amid geopolitical disruptions, maintaining cultural continuity in isolated valleys.[29]Mongolian Traditions
In Mongolian culture, the khadag (also spelled hadag) serves as a ceremonial scarf symbolizing respect, goodwill, and auspiciousness, primarily made from silk or cotton in sky blue to evoke the eternal blue sky central to traditional beliefs.[30] This color holds sacred significance, rooted in pre-Buddhist shamanic worship of Tenger, the sky god, and persists in modern usages despite Buddhist influences.[31] Khadags are presented during greetings, family reunions, and visits to lamas or dignitaries, with the giver folding the scarf three times before offering it with both hands.[30] The etiquette of presentation distinguishes intent: draping the khadag over the recipient's shoulders conveys a blessing or honor, while placing it in their hands signifies a formal offering, often to religious figures or elders.[30] This practice, which supplanted earlier uses of lambskin for greetings by the 15th century following Buddhism's spread, underscores hierarchy and reciprocity in social interactions.[30] In familial contexts, khadags greet parents or returning relatives, reinforcing bonds of loyalty and protection.[30] Beyond interpersonal exchanges, khadags feature prominently in rituals at ovoos—sacred cairns honoring local spirits—where they are tied to the structure as offerings for safe travels, gratitude to nature, or propitiation of deities.[32] Multi-colored variants, representing the five elements (yellow for earth, green for air, red for fire, white for water, blue for sky), may be used in shamanic or syncretic ceremonies, though blue remains predominant in Buddhist monastic settings.[31] These traditions maintain cultural continuity, blending indigenous animism with Vajrayana Buddhism adopted in the 16th century.[33]Bhutanese and Nepali Adaptations
In Bhutan, the khata functions primarily as an offering scarf symbolizing goodwill, respect, and purity, typically made of silk and measuring over 2 meters in length by about 0.25 meters in width.[18] White khatas represent compassion and are used for general greetings, while colored variants—such as yellow-gold, blue, red, or five-colored (blue, white, yellow, green, red)—denote specific blessings or sacred contexts, with the latter reserved for offerings to deities or high lamas.[18] This usage extends to religious ceremonies like temple visits and Buddha worship, as well as secular events including weddings, funerals, festivals, graduations, and airport welcomes for visitors, where it is presented folded at shoulder or head level with a bow.[18] Distinct from Tibetan practices, Bhutanese khata integrates more routinely into everyday interactions, reflecting the country's Vajrayana Buddhist heritage while adapting to national customs like pairing with traditional gho (men's robe) or kira (women's dress).[18] Bhutan has further adapted the khata concept into status-denoting attire, with kabney scarves worn by men over the left shoulder to the hip and rachu by women, featuring colors that signify rank: white for commoners, red with stripes for administrators, dark blue for parliament members, orange for ministers, dark green for judges, and saffron for the king or chief abbot.[34] Red bura marp or red-gold lungmar scarves, awarded for exemplary national service, represent the highest civilian honors, with the lungmar reinstituted in 2014 and first given to then-Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.[34] These worn scarves, donned during visits to dzongs (fortress-monasteries) or government offices, emphasize hierarchical respect in Bhutanese society, diverging from the Tibetan khata's predominant role as a transient gift.[34] In Nepal, the khata—adopted via Tibetan Buddhist influences among ethnic groups like Sherpas in the Himalayas—retains core symbolism of purity, compassion, and auspiciousness but incorporates local ritual applications, often using cotton or polyester instead of silk for practicality in high-altitude or refugee communities.[35] Among Nepalese Sherpas, it is exchanged during marriage negotiations as a formal confirmation (daemchyang), embodying honor and respect between families.[36] Sherpa customs also involve draping khata around ritual vessels like the pong (a wooden liquor jar) during ceremonies, blending it with communal feasting traditions.[37] Broader Nepali Buddhist practices include presenting white khata as farewell gifts after extended stays with families, signaling gratitude and safe travels.[38] Nepali adaptations reflect syncretic influences in a multi-ethnic context, with khata embedded in both Tibetan-derived and indigenous Buddhist observances, as seen in 2019 protests by Nepalese Buddhists defending its use against political criticism that labeled it superstitious.[39] In regions like Namche Bazaar, it serves as a greeting in Sherpa-inhabited areas, maintaining Tibetan etiquette while adapting to Nepal's diverse Hindu-Buddhist landscape through widespread availability and use in diaspora or tourist interactions.[40] Unlike Bhutan's formalized status markers, Nepali khata emphasizes interpersonal and familial bonds, with no codified color hierarchies but consistent white predominance for everyday respect.[38]Religious and Ceremonial Applications
Role in Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, the khata serves as a key ceremonial offering symbolizing purity, respect, and the auspicious exchange of blessings between practitioners and spiritual figures such as lamas, rinpoches, or deities. It embodies goodwill and sincerity, often presented at the conclusion of teachings, empowerments, or rituals to express gratitude for guidance toward enlightenment.[2][41][20] White khatas, predominant in these contexts, represent the untainted nature of the enlightened mind and are adorned with printed mantras or the eight auspicious symbols, invoking protection, purity, and the qualities of buddhahood. During offerings, the scarf is folded lengthwise into a double layer and then into seven folds—symbolizing interdependence and completeness—held with both hands while bowing deeply with palms joined, ensuring the open edges face the recipient to denote receptivity to wisdom.[2][20] In monastic and ritual settings, khatas are draped over statues, thangkas, altars, or images of high lamas like the Dalai Lama to consecrate spaces and invite divine presence during pujas, initiations, or daily devotions. Lamas may reciprocate by placing the returned khata over the offerer's neck, transferring merit and blessings, while the act underscores pure intention devoid of ego or negativity.[2][41][20] This practice integrates into broader Vajrayana protocols, accompanying dana or other gifts to support dharma activities, reinforcing the relational dynamics of guru-disciple transmission central to Tibetan lineages. Strict etiquette prevents the khata from touching the ground, preserving its sanctity as a conduit for positive karma.[41][20]