Why do tibetan monks wear silk?
Tibetan clothing reflects features of Tibet’s unique environment, history and culture. Tibetans live on a high and cold plateau surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Much of Tibetan dress has been passed down from ancient times. Economic and cultural exchanges that have been transpiring for generations are reflected in changes in Tibetan clothing. Tibetan costume often depends on geographic area and economic status. In cold northern Tibet, herdsmen usually wear fur robes. In Shannan Prefecture, where the climate is warmer, farmers often wear tweed (a kind of wool produced in Tibetan rural areas). People in Lhasa wear silk clothing is summer and fur robes in winter. In ancient times, honored heroes wore tiger skins and cowards were forced to wear fox skins as punishment. In Japan, a type of prayer robe known as a kesa is worn over the regular robes. Kesa are usually patched together with scraps of fine silk brocade in imitation of the Buddha’s patchwork robes. Also, not all silkworms ar
