The year of the Water Horse begins on February 13, 2002. The Tibetan calendar is based on a lunar cycle of 60 years, which was initiated in 1027 A.D. The cycle consists of 12 animals (Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Donkey, Bird, Dog and Hog), which are then paired with one of the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and iron).
In the Tibetan calendar, there are 12 months of 30 days each, but as the lunar year has only 354 days, an extra month is added every third year and certain days are then cut out of the calendar, as determined by an astrologer. For this reason, it is very difficult for Tibetans to know their exact Western birthday.
Prior to Losar, the accumulated sins of the past year have to be driven out. So on the 29th day of the last month, various ritual ceremonies take place. The 30th (like the 15th) is considered a sacred day in Tibet, so no ceremonies take place on this day. Instead, it is a time for quiet reflection. In monasteries throughout the land monks perform ritual cham dances in order to eliminate the negativity of the old year and to ensure a positive start for the year ahead.
These dances have a mystical significance and are performed with deep meditative concentration to the rhythms of the temple orchestra. In many places, special New Year zor torma are created, vast pyramid constructions made of butter, often incorporating a human effigy and embodying the evils of the last year, which are then symbolically burnt on a pyre.
<>Meanwhile, Tibetans purge their own homes of the accumulated negativity of the old year. Houses are given a thorough spring-cleaning and are often newly whitewashed, while prayer flags and door and window hangings are replaced. Special pastries called khapse are placed on the family altars and khapse together with a khata (a ceremonial silk scarf) are given to visiting friends and relatives.<>
