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Tomorrow is Yaldā, an Iranian holiday marking the longest and darkest night of the year. More importantly, it signifies the triumph of light over darkness as the days begin to grow longer once more.
It's filled with fresh fruits, good company, and poetry.
It's filled with fresh fruits, good company, and poetry.
Shab-e Yaldā, also known as Shabe Chelleh, has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest faiths. Ancient Iranians were overwhelmingly Zoroastrian, though the religion still has a small following today, estimated between 100,000 and 200,000 worshipers.
In Zoroastrianism, darkness is associated with evil. Ancient Iranians would gather with friends and stay up during this long night, celebrating the birth of the sun once again on the first day of winter.
Today, Yaldā is more of a cultural holiday than religious, but some of the symbolism is still there!
You're likely to see a lot of red on this holiday! Pomegranates, watermelon, apples, and other red fruits are enjoyed, their crimson color symbolizing the dawn.
You're likely to see a lot of red on this holiday! Pomegranates, watermelon, apples, and other red fruits are enjoyed, their crimson color symbolizing the dawn.
There's also poetry! Some folks will make a wish or ask a question to Hafez, perhaps the most famous poet in all of Iranian history. They'll then open the Divan of Hafez to a random page to see what Hafez has to say about their future.
I don't know about you all, but this year has certainly felt like one long night! But light always triumphs over darkness.
Whether its over Zoom or with the loved ones in your home, may you spend this last long night of 2020 in good company, welcoming the dawn together.
Whether its over Zoom or with the loved ones in your home, may you spend this last long night of 2020 in good company, welcoming the dawn together.
