ABSTRACT
Young women forming sisterhoods, or becoming sworn sisters, was not uncommon in Tibetan society, and the cultural tradition still existed to some extent in the mid-twentieth century. Usually formed in adolescence or young adulthood, these bonds lasted a lifetime, even when the women married and had families. Here are two stories of sisterhoods where, as they grew older, the women were still able to get together for joyful annual celebrations. Fragile as these sisterhoods may have appeared, they also offered emotional support to women who may have been trapped in difficult family situations or abusive marriages.
