Yalda Night
Author: Maryam M.
Level: 6
Instructor: Cheryl C.
Photo Credit: Englishtealove / Creative Commons CC0
Article ID: 1503 [Celebration- Winter 2019]
Yalda is a girl’s name, but Yalda Night is a special ceremony in Iran. The last night of autumn it is longest night of the year. Persian people in Iran celebrate Yalda Night. It is a winter solstice celebration.
According to calendar, December 21st is the first day of winter. The longest night is a time when family and friends gather together and eat, drink, read poetry (especially HAFEZ, a Persian poet) until midnight. Fruit and nuts are important, especially pomegranate and watermelon . The red colour in these fruits symbolize the glow of life.
We are gathering together with family friends to have a party on December 21st. The party is potluck and every family is supposed to provide something. I am so excited and happy but unfortunately Sunday I have to work at 5 am. Hopefully I can wake up on time!