This is the most important festival for Tibetans. Since the beginning of December on the Tibetan calendar, people prepare to celebrate the New Year. Every household prepares young crops of highland barley, which are to be placed on Buddha's chest in the hope of a good harvest next year.
As the end of the year approaches, every household will prepare a basket of food, called the "Zhusuqima," which is composed of several kinds of food, including zanba, cooked highland barley, ginseng fruit with barley, as well as colored butter and sheep's head (Luoguo), all of which represent celebration for a good harvest, and early wishes for good weather and growth for both human beings and livestock.
1. Exchanges of "Qiema"
Tibetans are exchanging "Qiema", a kind of offerings that used during Tibetan New Year. Qiema is offered when you step into a Tibetan family during Tibetan New Year and the grandma will wishes you a happy new year by offering Qiema. [Photo/Xinhua]
An elderly Tibetan woman is selling decorations of "Qiema".[Photo/Xinhua]
