A duilian-equipped ATM in Lhasa, Tibet.
Tibet, where new technology meets old traditions. ATMs are a relatively recent arrival in Tibet. In the capital of Lhasa, one bank — perhaps in a bid to build trust in the new machines — placed duilians on either side of their terminal.
Duilians are a traditional Chinese form of blessing, going back at least 1,000 years. It consists of two lines of poetry, one on each side of an opening, written with the goal of “few words but deep meaning.” A library’s duilian might reference books, learning, wisdom or poetry. A private home might have a duilian that bestows blessings on visitors.
The tradition is slightly different in Tibet. Instead of characters, the duilian is an image. But the intent is similar: in this case, to bless the transactions moving through the ATM.
