Yalda in Iran

Celebrate the longest night of the year

Yaldā is an ancient celebration whereby the brilliance of the sun along with the warmth of life are cherished. This event coincides with an increase in day-length in the region. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere corresponds to Dey 1st (December 22nd) in the Iranian calendar.

All people from Iran celebrate this ritual festivity. However, those Iranians who, due to a variety of reasons have to live far away from their homelands, also uphold “Yaldā/Chelle” based on their homeland calendars, exactly as it is practiced by their own family members and indigenous individuals back home.

End of the Dark Night

In public belief, the night of the last day of the Persian calendar month of Azar — this year it falls on December 21st — harbours the eventual victory of light over darkness. After Yaldā, the days will grow longer and the nights will fall shorter. As per tradition, Iranian families get together in the houses of their elderly relatives, most often grandfathers and grandmothers, and spend the better part of the night socializing and feasting on the occasion’s special delicacies.

What happens on Yaldā?
On the occasion of the last night of autumn, families get together. This family reunion often takes place at the houses of elders where people meet around a table called “Yaldā/Chelle Night Sofre”.
“Yaldā/Chelle Night Sofre” consists of a lamp that symbolizes light, water that represents cleanliness, red fruits such as pomegranates, watermelons, beetroots, jujube and red and green grapes that demonstrate warmth along with serving broth (Ash), sweets, dried fruits and nuts special to this occasion, all set on “Yaldā/Chelle Night Sofre” and consumed during the nightly gathering. The Sofre usually comes in red and is traditionally spread on the floor or on Korsi/chairs. The red color used in various components of the Sofre refer to the reddish sky after the dusk and before the dawn.

The Special Appearance of Yaldā Night Celebration
The type of activities in this celebration ranges from reciting poems, storytelling, reciting  Hafez's poems or referring to them for pleasance omens, reciting verses from the epic poetic masterpiece of Shahnameh, listening to or playing music, singing and giving gifts to new in-laws/brides and children, indoor games and enjoying “Yaldā/Chelle Night Sofre” goodies and items.

Download a PDF file about yalda from here.