Palestinian Folktales
The folktale was the major nightly
entertainment in the early days before television and radio. The story
teller was usually the grandfather, the grandmother, or one of the
parents.
In every town there used to be what was called madhafah (guest
house) where visitors to the town would stay and be welcomed. The
Hakawaty (story teller), who was the entertainer in the
madhafah, would tell the audience a story while playing a soft
tune on his rababah (one-stringed violin-like instrument). The
Hakawaaty would tell stories such as Kulaib and Zeer, Abu Zeid,
'Antara, Arabian Nights, and other short ones he might have heard in
other towns.
The family would enjoy their story time at night especially in the
winter. The children would be sitting around the kanoon (brazier)
while the grandfather, the grandmother, or whoever is the story teller
would be telling the story of that night.
Stories
Ataba & Zarief E-ttool
The Hunter
This section is in need for material. If you have any stories, please
forward them to barghouti@barghouti.com and
will be credited to you. Thank you!
