A Tibetan prayer flag is a colourful square or rectangular fabric that is often hung along paths and peaks, especially in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and the Himalayas. Prayer flags come in sets of five colours representing the five elements and the five pure lights - blue, white, red, green and yellow, and are used to promote peace, compassion, love, power and wisdom. Rather, Tibetans believe that the prayers and mantras are blown by the wind to carry goodwill and compassion throughout the universe. The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe when the images fade due to the effects of the weather.