August 25, 2016

2707 CHINA (Inner Mongolia) - Hādá


A Hādá (khata, dhar, khadag or hatag) is a traditional ceremonial scarf in tengrism and Tibetan Buddhism, so is common in cultures where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. It symbolizes purity and compassion and are worn or presented at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests. Tibetan khatas are usually white, symbolising the pure heart of the giver, though it is quite common to find yellow-gold khata as well.

Hādá is usually made from either silk or cotton. Mongolian Hādá is generally white in color, but shades like light blue and light yellow occur as well. When one is lucky enough to be presented a Hādá, one should grasp it gently in both hands while bowing slightly, and the presenter will also bow in return. The giving and receiving of Hada, including the act of bowing to each other, is an outward sign of mutual respect. In Mongolia, Hādás are also often tied to ovoos, stupas, or special trees and rocks.

About the stamps
Mongolia
One of the stamps is part of the series Orient Express, about which I wrote here. The other, depicting Charles Darwin, is part of the series World's Most Famous Scientists, about which I wrote here.

China
The stamp is part of the series Chinese Ceramics - Dehua Porcelain, about which I wrote here.

United States
The three stamps are part of the series Views of Our Planets, about which I wrote here

References
Khata - Wikipedia
Mongolian Minority - China Highlight

Sender: 
Sent from China (on 21.03.2014), to Greenvale (New York / United States), then from Greenvale (on 11.06.2016), to Romania (Ploieşti).  

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