Five rectangles of rayon (blue, red, white, green and yellow) each printed with five animals (tiger, mythical bird called garuda, windhorse carrying jewels, dragon or naga and lion) are a usual type of prayer flag seen throughout Buddhist India, Nepal and Tibet. There are often many strings of flags. The mystical animals combine Chinese, Indian and Tibetan symbolism, and are thought to provide protection from enemies, increase the birth rate, augment wealth, and safeguard the health and happiness of the household.

The block-printed mantra translates loosely: "May the horse of good fortune run fast and increase the power of life, influence, fortune, wealth, and so forth."

Prayer flags can be planted almost anywhere, bestowing merit on the giver and benefiting the entire countryside. Each time they flutter it is as though all the prayers are being recited.

These flags are hand-block printed in the traditional manner by Tibetans living in Pokhara, Nepal.

• Size: 25 flags (5 sets of 5), each flag 9"x12"
• Material: Synthetic