YALDA Night CELEBRATION

YALDA Night CELEBRATION

Yalda Night is a winter solstice celebration that occurs on the year's longest night.

The Yalda night celebration originated from the Babylonians and Yalda means birth in the Syriac language.

Yalda, is a festival that celebrates the winter solstice and the symbolic victory of light over darkness.

Yalda is a time for hope and a commemoration of the triumph of light over darkness. It is a reminder that despite these hardships, brighter days are ahead.

Here are some traditions of Yalda:
Gather with family and friends: People gather at the home of the eldest family member to eat, drink, share the last remaining fruits from the summer, and read poetry.

Eat fruits and nuts: Pomegranates and watermelons are especially significant because they symbolize health and renewal. The color red represents dawn, so red is often used in the decor and in the food.

Read poetry: People read from the works of Hafez, a 14th century Iranian poet. One tradition is called Faal-e Hafez, where each person makes a wish and then randomly opens the book. The eldest family member reads the poem on that page, and it's believed to interpret the wish.

Stay up late: People stay up until dawn eating, talking, and welcoming the new day.

Light candles: Candles brighten the longest night.

Serve special dishes: Some cities in Iran have special dishes for Yalda, like Khoreshe Fesenjoon, a chicken stew with walnuts and pomegranates.

Display red: Red is often used in the decor and in the food.

Thank the Lord: Yalda is a time to thank the Lord for blessings and pray for prosperity in the next year.

People stay up until dawn eating and talking and then welcoming the new day after the longest night.