Why do Iranians celebrate the winter solstice?

The winter solstice may mark the longest night of the year, but for Iranians, it’s also known as Shab-e Yalda, a celebration with ancient ties that commemorates the triumph of Mithra, the Sun God, over darkness. “This is part of Iranian tradition where evil will run havoc on the longest night of the year,” he said.

How do Iranians celebrate Yalda?

Every year, Iranian people celebrate Yalda night on the longest night of the year by gathering together for eating, drinking and reading poetry until after midnight. Shab-e Yalda (Yalda’s night) or Shab-e Chelle is the Iranians’ way to confront the coldest season of the year.

Which is the Persian winter solstice Festival?

The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra.

What are the traditions of Yalda?

In Zoroastrian tradition the longest and darkest night of the year was a particularly inauspicious day, and the practices of what is now known as “Shab-e Chelleh/Yalda” were originally customs intended to protect people from evil (see dews) during that long night, at which time the evil forces of Ahriman were imagined …

How do you celebrate the winter solstice in Iran?

Yalda is now celebrated by Iranians in a form of overnight family gathering. Watermelons, nuts, pomegranates and sweets are usually served and are symbolic aspects of this event. Most of these fruits that have many seeds are considered to be symbols of fertility.

What do you say on Yalda?

Yalda is a night full of hope for the future and happiness for the young and old. َThere is a saying in Farsi that goes something like this: I wish you a long and happy life like Shabe Yalda, sweet as watermelon and fruitful as pomegranates! Shabe Yalda mobarak!!

How does Iran celebrate Christmas?

Christmas in Iran is celebrated by the Christian community of Iran. They eat no meat, eggs, milk, or cheese until Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, they celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth by feasting on a traditional chicken stew called harissa, or on roast turkey.

What do you say on Yalda night?

Yalda is a night full of hope for the future and happiness for the young and old. َThere is a saying in Farsi that goes something like this: I wish you a long and happy life like Shabe Yalda, sweet as watermelon and fruitful as pomegranates!

Why is summer solstice celebrated?

The Summer Solstice throughout history Before the rise of Christianity, Slavic, Germanic and Celtic tribes celebrated the midsummer with bonfires, believing that they would boost the sun’s energy and guarantee a good harvest. It was believed that bonfires could also help banish demons and evil spirits.

How do you observe the winter solstice?

Decorate an indoor or outdoor yule tree to celebrate the solstice this winter. In ancient times, solstice trees were decorated with candles, known as yule tree lights, and adorned with ornaments that symbolized the sun, moon, and stars.

How do you say Happy Yalda in Persian?

So remember if you see Persian people around you on Dec 20-21, tell them “Shabe Yalda Mobarak!” or شب یلدا مبارک meaning Happy Yalda!

What is Nowruz festival?

Nowruz means ‘new day’ in Persian and is the most important festival of the year in Iran. It is also celebrated in a number of other countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, the Balkans and East Africa, and dates back at least 3,000 years.

What is Yalda night in Iran?

Yalda night or Shab-e chelleh is held by Iranian people on the longest night of the year in different parts of Iran. Yalda night date is on December 21. It’s on the last night of fall, which is the Persian winter solstice. In the cold nights of winter, this traditional festival makes people’s hearts warm by gathering them together.

What is the origin of the Yalda Festival?

Some archeologists believe it comes from 7000 years ago, the prehistoric period. At least we know the official Yalda night festival was held in 500 B.C. in the Darius era. People in ancient times knew darkness as a symbol of evil and the light as a symbol of Mithra, Zoroastrian goddess of light.

What does Yalda mean in the Bible?

It symbolizes the arrival of winter, the rebirth of the sun and finally, the victory of light over darkness. Yalda literally translates to “birth” in Persian. It describes the ancient belief that on this night the goddess of light, Mithra, was born.

What goes on a Yalda table?

But everyone knows that the Yalda table isn’t complete without red and juicy watermelon. Youngers entertain others. Sunflower seed and mix of various dried nuts (in Farsi: Ajil) have many fans, between both children and adults. They tell stories and memories as they are eating Ajil.