برف می‌بارد

सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि

Snow is a major event in Tehran. Because the city is sloped, the northern parts (near the mountains) often get heavy snow while the south gets rain. This leads to the phrase 'برف می‌بارد' being a status symbol of sorts for those living 'up-town'. The poet Nima Yooshij wrote a famous poem titled 'Barf' where the falling snow represents a suffocating social atmosphere. In literature, 'برف می‌بارد' often sets a mood of introspection and silence. In Afghanistan, the phrase 'Barf-e-Awal' (First Snow) is celebrated with special foods like 'Haft-Mewa'. The phrase 'Barf mibarad' is the signal to start these traditions. Farmers in the Iranian plateau view 'برف می‌بارد' as a promise of a good harvest. Snow melts slowly, recharging the 'Qanats' (ancient underground water channels) better than rain does.