# What Do Prayer Flags Mean? Colours and Symbols Explained

_Published 17 September 2026_

Strings of colourful flags fluttering on passes, bridges, stupas and rooftops are one of the most iconic sights of the Himalaya. But they are not decorations: each one carries prayers.

**Quick answer:** prayer flags are printed with Buddhist prayers and mantras. As the wind blows, the prayers are believed to spread **goodwill and compassion** to all beings. The five colours, usually in the order **blue, white, red, green and yellow**, represent the elements of **sky, air, fire, water and earth**.

## The five colours

- **Blue:** sky and space
- **White:** air and wind
- **Red:** fire
- **Green:** water
- **Yellow:** earth

## The wind horse

Many flags show a horse carrying a jewel, the **lungta** or "wind horse", a symbol of good fortune that carries prayers on the wind.

## How they are hung

- Horizontal strings (lungta) on passes, bridges and roofs.
- Vertical flags (darchor) on poles.
- Flags are often hung on auspicious days and replaced at Losar, the new year.
- Old, faded flags are left to fade naturally, as the prayers become part of the universe.

## Etiquette

- Don't step over or use prayer flags as ordinary decoration on the ground.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls.
- You can buy flags in Boudhanath and Thamel and hang them on a trek with your guide.

See our [religion in Nepal](/blog/religion-in-nepal-hinduism-and-buddhism) and [Sherpa culture](/blog/sherpa-culture-guide) guides.

## Frequently asked questions
### What do prayer flags mean?
They carry Buddhist prayers spread by the wind.

### What do the five colours represent?
Sky, air, fire, water and earth.

### What is lungta?
The "wind horse", a symbol of good fortune.

### Can I hang prayer flags?
Yes, respectfully; your guide can help.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/prayer-flags-meaning