Interesting Facts about Bhutan

Did You Know?

5 curious facts about Bhutan.

• One of the most popular figures in Bhutanese history was Drukpa Kunley (1455-1529). Known as the “divine madman” because of his shocking behavior, Drukpa Kunley was an eccentric person. An aristocrat form the great Gya family, he refused to take his monastic vows and instead wandered the country teaching Buddhism through songs. It is difficult to attribute historical significance to DK, although every Bhutanese will place him among the most important national historical characters.
• Bhutanese exchange presents as a form of etiquette. Those receiving a gift do not open it until they are alone. To do otherwise would be more than bad manners, it would imply that the recipient wants more of the same. Gifts between equals are always reciprocated. However, when a gift is of significant value and comes from a person of high status, it is reciprocated with loyalty and service rather than with a gift. Cloth is highly valued in Bhutan. Traditional gifts at funerals and other occasions are pieces of cloth, given in uneven numbers. The more cloth given, the higher the status of the giver. Money put in an envelope may be used as a substitute, along with the obligatory white scarf. The symbolic value of the scarf is of vital importance when visiting dzongs, monasteries, or taking part in official ceremonies. The act of giving a white scarf speaks louder than words and is a must for every Bhutanese at any important event. These scarves are recycled until they show signs of wear and tear.
• Titles: Any Bhutanese of high status is addressed by his or her title, followed by first name or both names. Dasho refers to a male member of the royal family, to those who have been honored by the king with the red scarf, and by polite extension to senior government officials. Ashi is used with a femal member of the royal family. Lyonpo is reserved for ministers. Lopon is used when speaking to a senior monk. Rimpoche is used when addressing a reincarnated lama; and Anim when speaking to a nun. Aap is used when speaking to a man (equal) Busu for a boy; Am is for an older woman; and Bum for a girl Aapa, Ama, Alou, Bumo, are used respectively for men, women, boys, and girls of unknown name, for instance, restaurant staff.
• Bhutanese consider a clear “no” to be too blunt for good manners. Thus, they have perfected various ways of saying yes, which vary from full agreement, through “I’m not sure,” to the full meaning of no, which is likely to be expressed with nothing stronger than “perhaps.”