Fasnacht has begun in Switzerland. Last night we braved the zero temperature to listen to the Gugge bands play in the Fischmarktplatz. Outrageously loud and in fancy dress, these carnivalers entertained the crowds in the centuries old tradition of celebrating the beginning of winter and the ending of the old year. Brass horns blearing, bass drums booming, cymbals crashing and tom toms thrumming, it was a din to wake the dead. After an hour we had satisfied our appetite for welcoming the 'fifth season' as it is also known as, and made our way home. In our discussion of the event we talked about what instruments we liked best. Moriah and I were both impressed with the Schlagzeugwagen (drum kit on wheels) and I wanted to buy a seven belled trumpet. But it wasn't the music that was the best thing about the evening. It was being able to be there together to enjoy it. This made me think of one of my favourite stories about knowing what is really important.
The Sweetest Melody
Shah Abbas of Persia gathered his advisers to his court and posed the following question. “What has the sweetest melody?” Immediately they seized upon an answer.
“The harp”, said the first, “its music is the sound of a heavenly choir.”
“I disagree,” said the second, “the flute has the sound of a merry songbird.”
The Shah pondered the answers and turned to his friend, Merza Zaki. “What say you my learned one?”
Merza Zaki smiled. “I will give you my answer in one week.”
In the days that followed their was great excitement for Merza Zaki invited the Shah and all the rulers of state to a grand banquet. On the night of the banquet the palace was filled with musicians who had come from near and far and they played on all number of instruments. The people sat on silk cushions and awaited the feast. Yet no food appeared.
Where were the dates and honey cakes? Where was the spiced wine and marinated meats? As the hours passed there was a rumble of discontent among the guests.
At midnight Merza Zaki called for order among the guests, who by now were preparing to leave. He stood among them and called for a servant to bring forth a pot of cooked food. He then began to beat the lid of the pot with a serving spoon. Clink clink. A resounding sigh passed around the room and the Shah smiled and said,
“The sound of clinking dishes in the ears of the hungry - that is the sweetest melody.”
A tale from Afganistan. Source: Favorite Folktales from Around the World (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library) 1988 edited by Jane Yolen
Photo courtesy of Markus Nägele
