The Eve of Yalda (Shab-e Yaldā also known as Shab-e Chelleh in Persian), is the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is started from the sunset of the last day of Persian month Azar (21 December) to the sunrise of the first day of Dey (22 December). Yalda is a Syriac word meaning birth.
The ancient Iranians (Zoroastrians) used to believe that the Sun God (called Mithra) was born in this night. The eve of the birth of God Mithra, who symbolized the light, indicates the triumph of the lightness over the darkness and the goodness over the evil. It is thought that on this night light needs help to overcome darkness. So the fires would be burnt all night to ensure to overcome darkness. There would be feasts and prayers to God Mithra. It is believed that God would grant people’s wishes in that day.
Nowadays, in Iran, people care the joy of Yalda party more than the myth of Yalda. Indeed, Yalda is a social occasion when family and close friends gather together in the eldest person’s house in family to eat, drink and have a sortes with Hafiz (a great Iranian poet) till sunrise. It is believed that Hafiz could predict the future because he knew the Quran. So at first they say a Fatiha for Hafiz (pray for him) and make a wish in their hearts then open the book of Hafiz by chance. The interesting thing is that every one can have own interpretation of Hafiz poetry!
Fruits, cookies and nuts are eaten on this night. Watermelons and pomegranates are traditionally eaten and particularly significant, though watermelon is the most loyal candidate for Yalda night! The red color in these fruits symbolizes the redness of dawn and life, invoking the splendor of Mithra.
Happy Yalda!
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