Tibetan Prayer Flags are believed to be beneficial to those in their vicinity, offering protection against dangers and evil, and invoking compassion, harmony, peace, wisdom and strength. Flown throughout the Himalayas, they are often seen at bridges, crossroads, holy sites, temples, rooftops, mountain summits or anywhere the prayers may meet the wind. The Tibetan word for prayer flags is Lung-ta, literally "Windhorse".

The five different flag colors have many meanings in Tibetan Buddhism, including the five directions, the five wisdoms, the five meditation Buddhas, the five mental attributes, and the the five physical elements ~ blue sky, white cloud, red fire, green water, and yellow earth. The flags naturally fade as they are exposed to the elements, and traditionally, are replaced during the Tibetan New Year.