File 5655/1918 Pt 2 'Mesopotamia: Refugee Camp at Baqubah (1920 – papers)' [‎455r] (920/946)

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These feasts formed an oppoi trinity of arranging the young men in series according to the
rank of their families. Young men who came from famous families took their place at the head
of the line, others following accordingly. In this manner the rank and station of each family was
kept from time to time.
The greatest entertainment took place, when the Patriarch appeared at one of these feasts in
one of the Ashirats as he was accustomed to do once in every three years. Before he put step
into the country, news of his coming was spread far and wide in the Ashirat (which he was visiting) ;
wheieupon all the armed men set out to meet him from afar. Dividing themselves into two bands,
and firing blank catridges, they escorted him in a procession until they entered the village (generally
the chief one in the Ashirat). Carpets were spread upon the streets for him to walk on, and men,
women and children came out and kissed his hand.
HAZRUTA D’QUASHUN.
(The call to arms).
When the cry of " Hawer ” (Alarm) was heard all the men with rifles would be ready to go
immediately to the scene of the fight running with all speed. This was a happy time for the young
men. „ ,
The men who fought bravely were much honoured. Banquets and entertainments were held,
the heroes being given the places of honour at the head, the wine glass being offered to them first
followed by the choicest of the “ Maza” (a small piece of meat served after a drink of wine) ; and
the women sang hymns of praise whilst shaking the “Guda” (a leathern bag in which “ Masta
sour milk—is turned into “ Dawi ”—watered masta—in order to produce butter). They were the
most honoured and beloved persons of the nation.
(Hi) Songs of the'women. —There were two kinds of these songs. The first were the songs
of praise whilst taking part in the dancing line (formed into a semi-circle or ring and always takes
place at a marriage) and sung to different tunes. The women sang aloud in turn, two at the top
of the line beginning, followed by two at the bottom. Each praised their nearest relations. It
was a great pleasure for the men to sit round and listen to them, for all their songs were good and
honest. The second type of song, were songs of praise to Mar Shim’un.
Here are a few examples of the songs of women :—
“ Mar ‘Audishu Slawatih
Dahvi Risi Shishlatih
Mar Shim’un Ha Ghish D‘Ati ”
“ The prayers of Mar 1 Audishu, whose chains are covered with golden dust, lo ! Mar Shim’un
is coming ”.
A song of Summer Quarters ( u Zumani”).
“ Suwari Qamah Geraa
Iniyar Kivta Perra
ShTshta Li Paukha De Berchalla ”
“ In front of Suwari stands a lagoon, Iniyar has given a blossom which is swinging in the wind
from Berchalla ” (Suwari is a mountain pass in Kurdistan. Berchalla is a mountain not far from
Qudshanis, the seat of the Patriarch. Iniyar is a yellow flower found all over Kurdistan. Apparently
unknown in England).
A song of Praise to Relations :—
“ Gudi Tilia Bilani
Khuni Zari Rikhani
Babi Gaura D'Diwani
Bazi Mgu Qina D'Bazi
Bshik Aka Diih Nash Khaz
Aup Bi Mekhkami Ubimerkazi ”
“ My leathern bag is hung in the tree, my father is a man of councils, my brother a farmer of
spices ; seldom like him a man is found, even in the Courts and high places.
6. AMUSEMENTS AND CUSTOMS OBSERVED ON PROPER FESTIVALS.
‘ Ida D'yahia. —(The feast of birth—corresponds to our Christmas Day). This is celebrated
by making “ Bajuji ” (insects) as toys for the children, large cakes for the newly married girls,
shields for male cousins, and dolls for female cousins. These are all made from dough (which is
modelled to the required shape and then baked). In the Churchyard nuts are scrambled amongst
the children. At night time the boys and girls, walking, visit the houses in the village, begging from
door to door for toys, nuts and raisins.
'Ida D'Denkha. —(Epiphany). On the night of this feast, everybody washes themselves in
cold water. It is considered that such water is blessed on this feast.
'Ida D'Qiyamta.—(The feast of Resurrection—Easter Day). On this feast coloured eggs are
produced, with which games are played practically by everybody, the Winners taking the eggs of
their opponents. Many visitors go from village to village, whilst the peasants gather together in
one place, in a long line. Food made of rice, sour milk and ghi, is brought from all the houses and
everybody eats and drinks. But no dancing takes place on this holy day.
'Ida D'Sulaqa. (Feast of the Ascension—Ascension day).—A rope is hung from a high tree and
nearly all the girls as w T ell as the men amuse themselves by swinging on it.
'Ida D'Nuserdil. —(Feast of God on which the prayers are said in remembrance of all the
Apostles of our Lord.)
On this feast the pouring of water on each other is the order of the day.