Sipa-ho
- Big Golden Tortoise
Sipa-ho is the Tibetan tangka (religious painting) of protection, which is very common in
Tibetan households. It is usually placed above the main door to protect the inhabitants from evil
spirits and bad luck. It can also be displayed on special occasions like marriage,
moving to a new house or during the time of death.
Through the symbolic language of astrology Sipa-ho represents the signs and symbols of the universe and its sentient beings. Throughout
the history of Tibetan astrology there has been various interpretations and forms of
Sipa-ho. In the 17th century under the reign of
the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, this system of Sipa-ho was
standardised by scholars and it
soon became popular in all parts of Tibet. There is still, however, differences
in the style of painting.