Material: Cotton and linen, knitted, handmade

Size: M (Suitable for men 170-175cm tall, weighing 70-75kg)

Description: Detailed description of the Tibetan men's traditional clothing: Chuba

The traditional clothing of the Tibetan people centers on the **Chuba**, a unisex long robe particularly suited to the harsh high-altitude climate and nomadic lifestyle. For Tibetan men, the Chuba is an indispensable symbol in daily life and rituals, embodying practicality, cultural identity, and spiritual values. The following details its role in Buddhist rituals, its historical origins, and the correct way to use it in daily life.

Basic Characteristics of the Chuba

The Chuba is an ankle-length robe, wrapped from left to right, secured at the waist with a wide belt (usually made of red cloth, approximately 2 meters long and 20 centimeters wide). Men's versions are mostly dark-colored (such as black, dark blue, or brown), primarily made of yak hair, wool, sheepskin, or cotton, with a wool lining for warmth. The robes have wide sleeves that can be pulled up to create large pockets for storing items such as tsampa, teacups, or mobile phones. In everyday life, men often pull the robe up above the knee to create practical pockets; for formal occasions, they are more ornate, with edges decorated with otter fur, leopard skin, or gold embroidery, symbolizing status and wealth.

**Role in Buddhist Ceremonies** In Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, the Chuba is not merely clothing, but a cultural and spiritual symbol, serving as a bridge between the secular and the sacred. It is frequently used in festivals, blessing ceremonies, monastic ordination ceremonies, or religious activities involving nobles, emphasizing class, piety, and the principles of non-violence (ahimsa). Specifically:

- **Symbolizing social status and spiritual purity**: A magnificent Chuba (such as a sleeveless brocade version decorated with lotus flowers or the character for "longevity") displays the wearer's wealth and piety in ceremonies. A 13-inch wide fur trim (such as white fox fur, symbolizing resilience and eternity) was used by nobles or lamas. The shirts were high-collared silk, trimmed with gold and silver, and typically white, purple, or light yellow, reflecting the purity and solemnity of Buddhism. Those performing rituals (such as chanters) would wear their finest Chuba, layered over brocade shirts, deliberately letting the trim peek out to flaunt the opulence and reinforce the sacred atmosphere of the ceremony.

- **A Vehicle for Cultural Resistance and Buddhist Ethics:** The Chuba also embodies the Buddhist doctrine of nonviolence. For example, in 2006, after the Dalai Lama called for the protection of endangered animals, Tibetans publicly burned Chuba adorned with otter fur, symbolizing a commitment to compassion and environmental protection. This event was not only a religious ritual but also became a symbol of the "Lhakar Movement" (White Wednesday), with wearing a Chuba representing nonviolent protest and connecting personal piety with collective identity.

- **Blend of Practicality and Ritual:** During Buddhist festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) or Saga Dawa (Shakyamuni Month), men wear Chuba to participate in prayer wheel circumambulation, blessings, or lion dances. The robe's wide sleeves and loose fit allow for easy handling of prayer wheels or ritual implements while maintaining the solemnity of the ceremony. Overall, the Chuba reinforces the Buddhist concept of "accumulating merit," allowing the wearer to participate in spiritual purification through clothing.

**Historical Origins and Stories:** The origins of the Chuba can be traced back to Central Asian nomadic culture, blending local Tibetan influences with external ones. Its stories reflect the adaptation and spiritual evolution of the people of the plateau.

**Origins and Early Development:** The earliest Chuba can be traced back to the Bronze Age (approximately 3000 years ago), originating from the ancient Qiang people and their pastoral lifestyle. By the 11th century BC, a basic style with a round collar and wide sleeves had been developed, influenced by Dunhuang murals and the Tangut Empire (Western Xia), showcasing the prototype of the Central Asian robe. The harsh cold of the Tibetan Plateau forced ancestors to develop heavy, wide-sleeved designs, transitioning from cotton and linen for spring and summer to sheepskin for autumn and winter, reflecting the survival wisdom of "harmony between man and nature."

**Historical Evolution Story**: After the 17th century, influenced by Ming and Qing dynasty China, some Chuba were modified from royal tapestries (such as the robes of lamas in the late 1600s), incorporating silk and gold thread, becoming exclusive to the nobility. During the 20th century under Chinese rule, fur Chuba were banned, symbolizing cultural oppression; after the ban was lifted in the late 1970s, demand surged, but the burning incident in 2006 marked a turning point—inspired by the Dalai Lama's speeches, Tibetans viewed Chuba as a touchstone of Buddhist compassion, rejecting endangered furs and turning to environmentally friendly materials. This is not just a story of clothing, but a narrative of Tibetans' transition from material adaptation to spiritual awakening, connecting nomadic heritage with global Buddhist ethics.

The Correct Way to Use It in Daily Life: Tibetan men emphasize practicality, comfort, and etiquette when wearing Chuba daily, viewing it as an extension of life, not just clothing. Here are the correct way to wear it and some precautions:

- **Wearing Steps**:

1. **Inner Layer**: First, wear a white turtleneck shirt (cotton or silk, with the left side larger than the right) and loose trousers (loose at the waist, hips, and ankles for easy riding or work).

2. **Robe Adjustment**: Wrap the left side of the Chuba around the right side, pulling it up from the waist to the knee or mid-calf to form a front pocket (for storing tsampa, tea utensils, or a baby). Secure it at the waist with a colorful striped belt (or red cloth belt), with one sleeve longer than the other (longer sleeves for warmth, shorter sleeves for work, such as shepherding).

3. **Accessories**: Wear a leather hat (with earmuffs in winter) or a headscarf, and high boots or thick-soled shoes (for slip resistance on high-altitude terrain). In spring and summer, the sleeves can be removed and tied around the waist; at night, the belt can be untied and used as a sleeping bag.

4. **Weather Adaptation**: In cold weather, wear two layers (outer robe with a sheepskin lining); in warm weather, roll up the top of the robe and tuck it into the belt.

- **Etiquette and Considerations**:

- **Practicality First**: Sleeves can be tied at the back of the waist, and pockets are used to carry daily necessities, reflecting nomadic efficiency. Farmers or nomads often do not wear shirts to show masculinity, but urban men prefer a full suit.

- **Cultural Respect**: In temples or public places, keep the robe clean and avoid excessive exposure (such as pulling it up too high to reveal underwear). Walk clockwise (in accordance with Buddhist circumambulation customs), and do not touch other people's robes. Modern embellishments such as adding a down jacket or sneakers are acceptable, but the traditional belt and pockets should be retained.

- **Regional Differences**: The Lhasa version is a lighter-colored round neck; the Nagqu version is made of thick sheepskin and can be used as a blanket; the Ningchi version is sleeveless with broad shoulders suitable for hunting.

The Chuba is not just clothing, but also an epitome of the identity of Tibetan men, embodying the resilience of the plateau and the compassion of Buddhism. For a firsthand experience, it is recommended to visit Tibetan festivals and feel their enduring charm.