Prayer Flags: Peace Compassion Strength Wisdom

For this swap, we will be making prayer flags using fabric inspired by the words Peace, Compassion, Strength, or Wisdom. The picture associated with this swap takes the word Peace quite literally. You don't need to be quite so literal, but the fabric used should invoke one of the inspiration words. Please include a note with your swap explaining the connection to the fabric you've chosen.

Prayer flags are usually rectangular and have raw edges. As a result they can be made very quickly. They are meant to fade and disintegrate with time. Let's make the string of flags at least 10 feet long, allowing plenty of room for hanging in a tree or above the front door. The flags I made in the pic above are two sided--this is a nice feature so they are pretty from all angles if hung in a tree. When hung from a house, single-sided is fine. You may want to check with your partner to see what he or she prefers.

excerpted from Wikipedia: "Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception, rather the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

"The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.

"The best times to put up new prayer flags are in the mornings on sunny, windy days."

This swap is international. The prayer flags are very light, being just squares of fabric, so shipping should not be onerous.

This swap is open to anyone with a rating of 4.5 or higher and a well-filled out profile. Please have no no-sends/unexplained ones. Newbies, please PM me before joining.

I will be checking profiles before assigning partners, and removing anyone who doesn't meet the requirements. If you have concerns about someone on the participant list, please let me know. As this is only my second time hosting a swap, there may be additions to this description--please be patient with me--and if you have advice for me, I'd love to hear it privately or in the comments.

I have started a Swapbot Group for Garlands, and hope to have seasonal/holiday swaps set up in the near future. I hope you'll join. I welcome your suggestions for upcoming swaps. If you would like to be an officer of such a group along with me, please let me know. Please join the group here: Garlands, Bunting, and Prayer Flags