Amenzu N Tefsut in the Kabylia, The Nature in celebration!
Amenzu n’tefsut is a Berber festival celebrated in Kabylia.
It marks the meeting of spring and renewal and it is so much appreciated in Kabylie that it is personified in the ready-made expression « mmager tafsut » which means to meet the spring season.That’s special value of Spring or Tafsut within Amazighs can be understood when we know that the winter season has often been rigorous in Kabylie, which makes the living conditions difficult in this mountainous region. The beginning of spring then presents itself as a kind of deliverance that deserves to be celebrated.
The meal, symbolic of abundance:
On the day of the spring festival, in the early morning, the women prepare the traditional meal. It is called « tchiwtchiw », « ameqful » or « aderyis », depending on the region; it is a purifying and invigorating dish made of couscous and vegetables steamed, all mixed after cooking. In general, we prefer to pick these vegetables in nature, giving this dish a flavor that is reminiscent of this holiday. This meal is also served with dried meat, eggs boiled in water, as well as seeds of beans, corn, wheat, and other cereals also cooked with water.
The latter, especially wheat, symbolizes abundance. This dish is served during the forest walk, it is eaten with the family.
It is also and much more the children’s party:
The spring festival, although traditionally women’s, also benefits children.The women animate the party by singing traditional songs with bendirs and clapping of the hands.
The children, all cheerful, put on their best clothes and go out to meet the spring, with their baskets of cakes of various shapes and tastes.
When we were kids, Amenzu N’Tefsut was one of the most important traditional festivals for us. The joy we felt that day is more intense than those of other ceremonies, such as Yennayer and Anzar. The treats that our parents offer to us on this occasion have a unique flavor.
During the traditional walk or picnic, we roll in the grass to the glory of the deities of nature, we indulge in all kinds and sorts of games, we dance, we eat a lot, and never stop playing,
Songs, youyous, and shouts of joy mingle with the murmur of songs of birds and the chirping of the waters flowing in the rivers.
What a happiness…
