Tibetan prayer flags on summits -- yay or nay?

[giggy]

the most obvious answer? that prayer flags are traditionally associated with the high mountains and thus don't seem as obstrusive as other other manmade objects in that "wilderness" context, as least not to a person of average, normal sensibilities...

thats a good point gris, but I think its typically only the himalaya - and I think it has to do with blessing the mountain b/c is a god, etc... not sure about that, but that what I gather from reading, etc..

Of course this tradition needs to be respected in countries such as nepal, tibet, etc.. But I also think that the US values need to be respected - we have our own culture and values here - as much as many don't wan't to admit that.

I see no reason to have these on any US peak. I don't know of any summits with crucifix's on them in the US. If there are some, I would say get rid of them too.

This all being said, the flags certainlly don't offend me in any way, but for me, they are no different than a candy wrapper.

 

[dentonfabrics]

The sign that you see on the way up to Owl's Head (the other OH) is a beautiful and fitting mountain tribute.

To me, colored plastic flags are colored plastic flags - inappropriate for a summit at all times - but then again, I'm not Buddhist.


bob

 

[Chip]

I see no reason to have these on any US peak. I don't know of any summits with crucifix's on them in the US. If there are some, I would say get rid of them too.

How about if they were part of a Veteran's War Memorial and had been in place since since 1913 ?

"The 29-foot cross has stood on Mount Soledad as the center of a war memorial on city land since 1954. The first cross on the site was built in 1913.

Might as well blow up that statue on the mountain in Brazil too while we're at it.

I don't much mind pray flags as they are a mountain top tradition, but I understand the LNT argument also.

 

[erugs]

Actually, Giggy, I don't think we have our own culture here. We have a mixture of cultures, and that is always changing and evolving. Do we all have squash with our Thanksgiving dinner? Do we all have turkey? Maybe this year, instead we'll have turkey chandni (boneless chunks of fresh turkey breast marinated overnight in sour cream, black pepper and other fresh-ground spices, cooked with red onions, tomatoes, chopped garlic and ginger -- sounds good, but where's the drumstick? the slices of white meat for sandwiches?). The thing is, we get used to what we know. Whether or we like it or not, individual change is not easy. Most of us always go for the same seats at a theatre or restaurant when we can, if we've liked those seats. There is a family in the condo where I live that has brightly colored electric palm trees on their balcony. Some in the building object, other's think it's funky, the board does not know where to draw the line. Thinking "one world" certainly challenges us, doesn't it?

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Speaking of memorials: who can put a permanent monument / tribute to whom in the WMNF? I saw two on my recent loop Ammo -> Monroe -> Washington -> Clay -> Jewell.


Who was Herbert Judson Young?

Who was Carol Mari Nunes?

Then there is Whiteface (NH) and Louis S Tainter (no handy readable photo...)


Tim

 

[Gris]

My only point...

was a simplistic one - that "prayer" flags probably don't seem overtly religious to most folks. myself, i kind of just associate them with high mountains. thus they dont seem as "obtrusive" as say a giant cross or star of David. personally, i wouldnt be offended by any of these symbols (unless maybe it was a burning cross). but then again i dont know what the flags really mean either. i am tolerant of all, esprcially if they are tolerant of me...

 

[WhiteMTHike]

I agree with the "leave no trace" posters. I haven't taken part in the flags on the 48 yet but intend to do so. If a religious person wants to fly a prayer flag for their denomination and meditate under it for a day then I say go for it; as long as the flag comes down and leaves with that hiker when he/she is finished. I personally would take no offense to it no matter what the religion.

 

[Stan]

Interesting topic.

Whenever I see them I'm reminded of my Mom who use to hang out the laundry to dry. It seems now a days people look down on those who still do so. It's even banned in some communities. Such a shame...

The ultimate in solar energy.

I deeply appreciate a spiritual aspect of hiking but feel that is achievable without pasting my feelings like some form of graffiti on mountaintops. To borrow a slogan from Nike, I believe it is, it's what's inside that counts.