The traditional ceremonial scarf known as khadak (depending on the region also written as khata, khadag, hadag) originates in Tibetan culture and is nowadays common in all cultures and countries where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced or has a strong influence (and spread also further to countries closely related to those). As such it can be found in for example Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Mongolia and Tuva.
A khadak is a thin fabric scarf, traditionally made from silk but nowadays mostly from synthetic silk alternatives such as polyester. Often symbols associated with Tibetan Buddhism are woven into the shiny fabric, such as the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
The khadak is traditionally used as a ceremonial offering scarf; they are for example offered to the statues of deities in temples and monasteries. And having found their way also into classical shamanic regions such as Mongolia and Tuva, they have also been integrated into Siberian animistic and shamanistic practices, where they are offered to sacred places and objects and as such can be seen tied around sacred trees, special rocks or ovaa (stone cairns, with or without a central wooden pole in them, created as sacred places for the local spirits, ancestors or Great Spirits of Nature).
The khadak symbolizes honor and respect and should be given from a pure and compassionate heart with the best of intentions. They are also widely used as traditional gifts at special occassions, such as weddings, births, funerals, graduations and at the arrival or departure of guests. The traditional way to give a khadak would be to place it around the shoulders of the receiver, in a respectful way that shows your good intentions and stating your best wishes.
Khadaks can be found in multiple colors. In Tibetan Buddhist context mostly white ones are used (symbolizing purity and clarity) and in Siberian shamanism mostly blue ones, symbolizing the infinite blue sky, associated with the Great Spirit.
The sets here in our shop consist of 5 khadak scarves, in the 5 main colors used in traditional Siberian shamanism; white, blue, red, green and yellow (orange). The scarves are made from a shiny, silky polyester with Tibetan Buddhist symbols woven into the thin fabric. Each scarf is approximately 150 centimeters long and between 25 - 30 centimeters wide.
Please note; this is a very thin fabric, which easily frays (as can also be seen on the pictures). This fabric is not suitable for sewing purposes.
Sold per set of 5 khadak, in 5 different colors.
