All this history, what is it good for? |
اين همه تاريخ به چه درد مى خوره؟ |
In which we ask, what is history good for? And come up with several useful suggestions. We're open to more, of course! Chip in : )How to Beshkan |
دستور بشكن |
In this instructional video, the mysteries of Beshkan will be revealed! First, are you right handed or left handed? The video shows a left-handed beshkan (actually, right handed, taken in the mirror.). The frames below that show the right hand Beshkan. Now, let’s go to video:
Beshkan aka “Crazy Iranian Hand Jive” |
بشكن |
What is Beshkan?
“Beshkan” is traditional Persian two handed finger snapping. We don’t know how traditional it is, or when it originated, but we do have some live footage to show you that you, too, can make this freaky sound. No double jointedness required. Ordinary hands will suffice.
The Arrows of Arash |
تيران آرش |
Arash(e) kamAngir is my current favorite mythological hero. The guy was an archer. In a Buddhist way, he became the arrow, and he is flying still.
Coining the Phrase “Simorq’anize” |
What the heck? “Simorq-anize?” You can’t make up words like that!
Let’s get Simorqanized! |
سيمرغالنظم شويم |
Persian (a.k.a. Iranian) mythology is filled with fantastical bird stories. These stories are elaborate metaphors that have transcendental, universal implications and are relevant to our post-modern world. Here is a look at the mythic bird, Simorq.Getting More Out of Persian |
I think it was Rumi (and correct me here!) who said:
گاو در بغداد آيد يك زمان
او رود از اين كران تا آن كران
از همه عيش و خوشيها و مزه
او نبيند جز دو پوست خربزه
Which means, of course: A cow came to Baghdad for a time. It went from one (riparian?) coast to the other. From all the luxuries, delights and tastes to be had, it saw naught but two melon rinds.
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