Celebration

Yalda, which means ‘birth,’ is an old Persian celebration on ‘the longest and the darkest night’ of the year. It is on the same day of winter solstice in Canada, December 21 or 22. Some people call Yalda, - ‘Shab – e Chelleh’ – the first night of the forty days long winter. It is celebrated on the last day of autumn. Some people believe that the tradition is 7,000 years old. On Yalda, day and night are equal.

Iranian people are happy on this night but do not want to be alone in the dark (evil). Families gather around their elders, grandparents and celebrate, singing, dancing. Young people go to see old people. Children go to visit their parents. All families make delicious food, buy lots of fruits and nuts.

Yalda symbols are watermelon and pomegranate. Inside the watermelon is red colour, Watermelon symbol means love, and good life and watermelon seeds are a sign of breeding. Pomegranate symbol means happy life and birth at Yalda night.

People also eat a lot of nuts to keep awake. Eating nuts means prosperity.

They read poems from Divan-e Hafaz and Shahnameh, sing happy songs, remember old Persian stories and drink ‘sherbet’ and Persian tea with cardamom. Everyone tries to keep awake.

Morning means the birth of ‘Mithra’ the Sun God. It is sign of good.

Light wins, darkness loses. Your ‘family’ which is very important helps you.

Iran, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Northern parts of Pakistan and India, all celebrate Yalda night.

Shabe Yalda Mobarak!!