‘幢幡’ (chuáng fān) is a compound noun referring specifically to two types of ceremonial textiles used in Chinese Buddhist rituals: the ‘幢’ (chuáng) is a tall, cylindrical or conical banner often mounted on a pole and decorated with sutra inscriptions or auspicious symbols, while the ‘幡’ (fān) is a long, narrow pennant or streamer, usually hung vertically and adorned with Buddhist motifs or mantras. Together, they symbolize the Buddha’s teachings and serve as visual aids for devotion, protection, and merit-making.

These ritual objects are commonly seen during temple festivals, funerals, ordination ceremonies, and large-scale repentance services. Though both are banners, they differ in shape, function, and symbolic emphasis—the ‘幢’ represents authority and the Dharma’s enduring presence, while the ‘幡’ signifies transmission and compassionate outreach. The term is almost exclusively used in formal religious contexts and rarely appears in secular or modern daily speech.