Barareh
Barareh is a fictional village in the Iranian television comedy series Pavarchin, and Shabhaye Barareh, assumed to be located near Shiraz. In fact filming was done in Tehran. However there is a real Barareh, but it is not that famous and is located in Markazi Province
Demographics
According to Shabhaye Barareh, Barareh had a population of 92 in the late 1930s. After taking a census, the Barareans tricked the census-takers and they ended up counting 1080 people in Lower Barareh and 1119 people in Upper Barareh even though at that time, Barareh only had 92 people.
Culture
Much of Barareh's culture revolves around the pea (Nokhod in Persian). Bararean dishes all contain peas and they each have very different methods of eating. For example, when eating Nochovskoo, you must place the pea on your palm as opposed to Gholenjoon Nokhod where the pea is placed on the back of your hand before getting slapped into your throat. The pea is respected so much in Barareh that it is a social sin to disrespect them. Civil institutions have a different meaning in Barareh, but one that others can relate to more easily is marriage. However, marriage also has some complex procedures that must be followed with accuracy to disallow humiliation. Some of these procedures include the Aroosghapun (the stealing of the bride) and Khastegarzanoon (the beating of the proposer). Other cultural aspects of Barareh include:
- Darbid - The local football (soccer) derby between Upper and lower Barareh. The version of football played in Barareh is loosely based on normal soccer, except it is illegal to use feet.
- Street Fights - When two people begin to fight, and many of the villagers join in even if they don't know the reason of the fight and topple all over each other.
- Mehmunghapun - When a new person enters Barareh, the Upper Barareans and the Lower Barareans compete seriously to be the first to serve the guest.
- Patriotic Stories - Barareans love to claim significant feats to themselves in the form of stories. These include the defeat of Alexander and the successful defense against Ghengis Khan.