Tibetan (藏族)

Geography and Language of Tibetan (藏族)

Tibetans live mainly in the Tibet Autonomous Region, formally established in 1965, and in Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces.Their language is part of a Tibetan sub-branch of Tibetan-Burmese and has three main dialects. Their script is alphabetic and was created early in the seventh century. The language was formerly used to distinguish caste, as there were three ways of speaking according to whom you were talking to: superiors, peers or inferiors.

They live mainly in highland and mountainous areas; the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau rises to around 4,000 metres above sea level and several mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, run through it. Here is Mount Everest or, as it’s known locally, Mount Qomolangma.

• Population: Around 5 million
• Distribution:  Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan
• Language: Tibetan
• Religion: Lamaism

History of Tibetan (藏族)

People have lived in the Tibetan areas since the Stone Age, according to archaeological evidence. In the early seventh century, King Songzan Gambo ruled over Tibet and his capital was ‘Losha’ (now Lhasa). Unification of weights and measures, script and laws were established, forming the kingdom known as ‘Bo.’ After this regime began, cultural, political and economical exchanges with other ethnic groups increased. During the Tang dynasty, the Hans and the Kingdom of Tibet had frequent contact and they were culturally united with the marriage of King Songzan Gambo to the Tang princess Wen Cheng.

Religion of Tibetan (藏族)

Tibet fell into serfdom between the tenth and twelfth centuries and many aspects of Bon, the local religion, were assimilated into Buddhism. Growing numbers of people then began to follow Lamaism which spread deep into Tibetan life. The later Yuan dynasty brought a divided Tibet under the rule of the central government. By appointing officials and setting up an administrative system, the central authorities began to have overall control of Tibet.

During the Qing dynasty, the Lifanyuan government department was established to handle the affairs of Tibet and Mongolia. It was then, too, that the title of Dalai Lama was given to one of the living Buddhas.

Climate of Tibetan (藏族)

Most Tibetans engage in animal husbandry; yaks, goats, sheep and pien cattle are native to the area. The yak is indispensable to the Tibetans, who use it both for transport and as a source of food. A highland barley known as qingke is the main crop, though peas, wheat and broad beans are also grown. In warmer areas, people grow walnuts, apples, cotton and rice.

The world-famous Giant Panda, sunbirds, vultures and golden-haired monkeys all find shelter in the dense forests in Tibetan areas, which are also rich in natural mineral reserves.

Traditions of Tibetan (藏族)

Tibetans use only a given name; the family name is not generally used. Names are taken from Buddhist scripture and ‘junior’ or ‘senior’ may differentiate between people with the same name. The traditional gown worn by Tibetans also serves as a mattress and quilt.

Tibetans eat five or six small meals daily; zamba is a peasant staple and all Tibetans like tea with milk or butter. Cheese and sour milk are also popular.

Tibetan farmers live in stone houses with several windows, whereas those in pastoral areas live in tents. Houses are frequently built facing south and on sunny, elevated sites.

Marriage customs vary from place to place, but monogamy is predominant in most areas and families are headed by the man. Wives are subordinate to their husbands.

Sky burial is the preferred form of burial. The body is taken to a sacred site and the vultures circle overhead in readiness. It is for this reason that vultures are sacred birds. For living Buddhas, the body is embalmed, wrapped in silk, enshrined and later cremated, though this is forbidden during the harvest. Many taboos are based on the Buddhist religion.

Religion of Tibetan (藏族)

The dominant religion is Lamaism, divided into several opposing sects. In a few places in Tibet, Qinghai and Sichuan, the indigenous religion, Bon, is still practised. The most important festival is Tibetan New Year.

Culture of Tibetan (藏族)

Tibetans have a rich cultural history with written works on subjects as diverse as astronomy, medicine and mathematics, along with many novels, fables and stories. There is a long history of medicine, using herbs and acupuncture, as well as veterinary medicine.

The Tibetan calendar is separate from those of other minorities and years are designated elements, animals and either yin or yang.

Living standards have been raised in recent years, including education.