Tibetans have many of their own customs and habits, and visitors to Tibet should understand and respect them.

Names. Tibetans do not have surnames. Their personal names are adopted from terms in Buddhist sutras associated with good fortune.

Terms of Address. In general, it is impolite to address someone directly by their name. To show respect, a title is usually attached. In Lhasa, for example, "la" is said after the name, and in the Xigaze region, "aji" or "ajue" before male names. Within families, however, elders can call those younger by their names alone and people of the same generation also adopt this practice.

Housing. Dwellings are usually built with a southern exposure on higher ground near water sources. The walls consist of stacked stones or rammed earth. A residence has an even roof and many windows. Herdsmen usually live in tents woven from yak hair. As the standard of living has improved, many Tibetans have moved into several-storey buildings, which retain distinct ethnic features.

Tibetans do not have surnames. Their personal names are adopted from terms in Buddhist sutras associated with good fortune.

Dress. In farming areas, men usually wear long-sleeved robes made of pula, a woollen material, with the opening on the right. A belt is tied around the waist. The women don long gowns, with long sleeves in winter and spring and no sleeves in summer and autumn. They wear blouses in bright colors and aprons made of pula. The herdsmen wear robes made of lambskin. Monks and nuns adopt the kasaya, a patchwork outer vestment, draped over the shoulders. Tibetan women like to adorn themselves with headdresses decorated with strings inlaid with agate, coral or jade. Felt or fine leather hats are popular with both men and women.

Food. In farming areas, the staple food is zanba, made of roasted highland qingke barley or peas ground into flour and then mixed with tea. In pastoral areas, the Tibetans mainly eat beef and mutton. The favorite drinks of the locals are buttered tea, milk tea and barley wine. Lamas and nuns are allowed to eat meat.

Marriage. Monogamy is standard practice in Tibet. Young people are quite free to choose their own partners. The grand and warm wedding ceremony generally lasts three days. The head of a family is always male, and only men can inherit property. All monks are permitted to marry, except those belonging to the Gelug (Yellow) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Funerals. There are five burial methods in Tibet, including pagoda, cremation, celestial, earth and water burial. Ordinary Tibetans adopt celestial burial. The body is carried to a funeral ground in the mountains, dismembered and offered to vultures. Only the corpses of Dalai Lamas, Bainqen Lamas and Grand Living Buddhas are preserved in pagodas. Ordinary Living Buddhas are cremated. Children receive a water burial, and earth burial is used for those who succumb to infectious diseases, and robbers, murderers and other criminals.

Ordinary Tibetans adopt celestial burial. Only the corpses of Dalai Lamas, Bainqen Lamas and Grand Living Buddhas are preserved in pagodas.

Etiquette. People exchange hada, ceremonial silk scarves, in formal meetings as a sign of mutual respect. Great attention is paid to gifts. When relatives or friends depart on long journeys, Tibetans drink barley wine, sing songs, present hada, touch foreheads and kiss the cheeks. On festive occasions, relatives and friends bring gifts to celebrate.

Taboos. Tibetans have many taboos. It is strictly forbidden to eat the meat of animals with odd-numbered hoofs or paws, especially dogs and donkeys. In some places, birds, fish and eggs are not eaten. People should not smoke, touch Buddha statues, turn over sutras and toll bells or beat drums in a monastery. Noise and excitement, tree chopping and fishing are forbidden around cloisters. Touching of amulets and rosaries worn by lamas is resented. Object should not be given or received with one hand, and heads should not be touched. Strangers are prohibited from watching celestial burial. When a family has an invalid or a woman giving birth, a fire is made or a twig or red strip is placed outside the door as a mark to prevent strangers from entering the house. It is forbidden to spit, take off shoes or socks, and dry shoes, hose or pants by fire before others. In pastoral areas, after entering a tent, the male should take the seat on the left and the female that on the right. Men and women should not sit together.

(This article appears on page 19, No. 21, 1994)