White Scarf
Once, after a funeral, the young men were dismantling the yurt to return it to its owner, and they tied a white scarf to the tundyk.
A boy who was helping them did not know this ancient Kyrgyz custom and immediately ran for advice to his grandfather — the respected aksakal.
— Chon aga, why is it necessary to tie white fabric to the tundyk?
— My son, this tradition has come to us from our ancestors, who roamed with their yurts across the endless expanses. Friends lent us their yurt so that we could honor your grandmother on her final journey. But the grief of our family should not be transferred to our friends. The white fabric tied to the tundyk drives away sorrow, symbolizes the purity of our intentions, good wishes, and a sincere desire that next time the owner sets up his yurt for a joyful occasion. For example, for a wedding, an anniversary, or some other celebration. This custom is a very subtle matter that has been observed by Kyrgyz people since ancient times, to repay good with good.
What is good?
A young man asked the aksakal what is needed to maintain health.
He replied:
From a good wife, the soul does not ache.
From good food, the stomach does not ache.
From good vodka, the head does not ache.
When does the heart rest?
Once, the ear, mouth, and eyes were discussing who rests the most.
- We rest when there is no noise around, in silence and peace, - said the ears.
- And we rest when our owner falls asleep, - said the eyes.
- I rest when the ears listen, - said the mouth.
- It turns out that each of us manages to rest, - the ears said thoughtfully. - Only the heart never rests. It beats from the first to the last day of a person's life.
Then all three turned to the heart:
- How can you work without sleep and rest?
- I rest when my owner communicates with soulful, kind people, - the heart replied.