Cultures and traditions

Architecture

Bhutan’s architecture is one of the best expression of Bhutan’s unique character. Bhutan’s architecture is in the form of Dzongs (fortresses), Gompas (monasteries), Chortens (shrines/stupas) and Lakhangs (temples).

Dzongs (fortresses) are structures with tapering walls and large courtyards.

Gompas (monasteries) are the testimony of the spiritual nature of Bhutan and its people.

 

Chortens (shrines/stupas) represents the deep faith of the Bhutanese. 

 Lakhangs (temples) are to overcome evil demons.

These architectures are built such that no nails are used and wood pieces assembled by the dovetail technique. Bhutanese architectures generally have trefoil shaped windows, with the windows size increasing with the stories. They have sloped whitewashed walls and the pitched roofs are covered with shingles and weighed down with stones.

Another form of architectures is the traditional Bhutanese houses. The main material used in traditional houses is stones, mud, bamboo and wood. Bhutanese houses normally have alters where they pray at. Traditional Bhutanese houses are a lovely sight in Bhutan.

Arts and Crafts

The arts and crafts of Bhutan are steeped in Buddhism. The relationship between arts and crafts and Buddhism is extremely intimate. Every form of art depicts certain important values associated with spiritual experience.  Arts and crafts are evident in the Dzongs. Within their walls are printings and statues representing important religious figures. The many illustrations serve as the allegory of struggle between good and evil. Bhutanese artists follow tight traditional conventions, rather than innovation. Unlike many places, the arts and crafts on sale in Bhutan are used by Bhutanese for daily life and for religious practice, instead of for the tourist market.

Bhutanese women are skilled at weaving. They often make their own clothing, table cloth and several items for religious use. Embroidery is a favourite art. This is often put to use for religious purposes when they make costumes for the ritual dances performed at festivals.

Religion

Bhutan’s religion is Mahayana Buddhism. It is the only country in the world whereby the religion is endorsed by the government through subsidiaries to monasteries and Chortens. Bhutan’s religion is an important factor in the cultural and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Chortens and prayer flags along the roadside of Bhutan are a common sight. Monasteries, convents and temples in villages are also a common sight.

Birth

As babies in Bhutan are viewed as progenitors of future, Bhutanese do not discriminate against the gender of the baby. Babies are always welcomed. Because of the strong beliefs that Bhutanese have, after the first three days of the baby’s birth, outsiders are kept away from the mother and baby. On the third day, a short purification ritual (Lhabsang) is performed and thereafter, outsiders pay visits to the new born baby. The baby is not immediately named. It is only named when both the mother and baby will visit a local temple to receive blessings from the local deity. The name given to the baby is associated with the deity. Sometimes, the baby is named on the day of birth.

Marriage

In the olden days, Bhutan followed arranged marriages. Now, marriages are based on the people’s own accord. Marriages are normally kept as simple affairs. However, elaborate rituals are performed for the bride and the groom for a long-lasting marriage. Gifts in the form of cash and good are presented to the newlyweds after the religious ceremony comes to an end.

Dress

The Bhutanese men wear a ‘Gho’, a garment that reaches just to their knees that is tied at their waist by a cloth belt also known as the ‘kera’.

The Bhutanese women wear a ‘Kira’, a long robe which is wrapped around the body covering form neck to ankle. They usually wear heavy silver and gold necklaces with coral, turquoise and other previous stones, and rings and earring decorated with pearls and turquoise.

The government made it compulsory for all Bhutanese to only wear their national dress in public, as a way to preserve ancient customs.

Up till today, it is mandatory that the Bhutanese wear a scarf when visiting Dzongs. The Bhutanese men wear a ‘Kabney’. Kabneys are of different colours, which reflect their ranks and status. On the other hand, the Bhutanese women wear a ‘Rachu’. Rachus unlike Kabneys, have rich patterns instead of colours.   

Food

Bhutanese normally eat with their hands, cross legged on the wooden floor. Food is normally served by women, in most cases the mothers, to the head of the household first. Before eating, a short prayer is offered. A small morsel is placed on the wooden floor as offerings to spirits and deities.  

In Bhutan, rice, vegetables and chilli is the staple food and salted butter tea (suju) is the staple drink that is served for social purposes. Bhutanese eat chilli abundantly, and it is used as vegetable rather than spices. Ema datse, considered the national dish in Bhutan, is made with chillies and cheese stew. Meat is widely eaten in Bhutan too. This includes pork, beef, chicken, fish and yak meat.  At high altitudes, barley and buckwheat are grown.