Iranians will celebrate Dec. 21 as the longest night of the year. It is called Yalda in Persian and throughout the night special ceremonies are held, IRNA reported.
Yalda Night is a good opportunity to be with family members and friends, refresh old friendships and mend strained relations.
On Yalda Night, families gather at the house of parents or grandparents to spend the night eating delicious foods, nuts, fruits and reading Hafez poems.
During Yalda Night, fruits such as watermelon and pomegranates and nuts like pistachio, almond, walnut and dried seeds are usually served.
Also known as Shab-e Chelleh, Yalda is rooted in Iran's ancient history and demonstrates Iranians' eagerness in forging strong family ties and friendly relationships.
The feast was one of the most important celebrations in ancient Iran some 5,000 years ago and continues to be celebrated to this day.
Ancient Iranians celebrated different feasts throughout the year one of most of which is the Yalda, literally meaning Yalda.
The last day of the Persian month Azar is followed by the longest night of the year and the next day, which is the first day of the month of Dey known as "Khorram-Rouz", meaning good and prosperous day.
Since subsequent days get longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of sun over darkness.
The recitation of verses from the Divan of Hafez lends spiritual weight to the occasion and should not be forgotten.
Yalda Night has become to symbolize many things in Persian poetry: separation from a beloved one, loneliness and waiting.
Iranians to celebrate Yalda, the longest night of the year
Iranians will celebrate Dec. 21 as the longest night of the year. It is called Yalda in Persian and throughout the night special ceremonies are held.
