Barfi (custom)
Barfi or long Barfi Kardan ( German snow surprise ) is a custom for the first snowfall in Afghanistan , especially in the northern provinces of Parwan , Kapisa , Pandschir , Badachschan , Balkh and especially in Kabul .
When the first snow falls in Afghanistan, children and adults form snowballs , wrap them as gifts or in an envelope and try to give them to relatives or neighbors. If the gift or letter is accepted, the “recipient” has to organize a party. Sometimes children only receive a gift. If the prank was successful, they shout:
"Barf me barad ba farman e elah,
barf e naw az maa wa barfi az shoma"
"Snow falls at God's command.
The first snowfall comes from me and Barfi [here: party or present] comes from you."
But if the victim sees through the prank , he can paint the giver's face black with coal and he has to organize the party. He also has to endure the glee and laughter of the others.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Barfi; An Afghan tradition. Bakhtar News Agency, January 27, 2014, accessed December 26, 2016.
- ↑ a b Syed Zafar Mehdi: Afghans greet season's first snowfall in unique 'Barfi' style. Afghan Zariza, December 30, 2013, accessed December 26, 2016.
- ↑ Nasrullah Noori: When the snow becomes a real danger . Süddeutsche Zeitung , November 17, 2016, accessed on December 26, 2016.