Set of Seven Stemmed Offering Bowls

These elegant bowls on raised stands are used for ceremonial purposes, carved with symbols of good fortune. They are arranged to form the “seven offerings.” The first bowl contains pure water for drinking and rinsing the mouth, the second bowl contains water for washing the feet, as in the traditional Indian custom of entering the threshold of a house barefooted. The third bowl contains fresh flowers, representing the custom of presenting a male guest with a flower garland, and a female guest with flowers for her hair adornment. The fourth bowl holds incense of pleasant smell. The fifth bowl holds an oil or butter lamp to represent the illumination of wisdom. The sixth bowl contains rosewater or perfumed water for refreshing the face; and the seventh bowl contains delicious food for the honored guests. The Tibetan food offering usually consists of a red or white conical offering cake, made from roasted barley flour, dyes and butter.