Tuesday, April 17, 2007




Shab_e Yalda
Shab_e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the last night of the Persian month Azar, the last month of the fall, and the day after is the first day of the Persian month Day, the first month of the winter. Iranians celebrate this night because it is the longest night of the year.

Another name for this night is “Sab_e Cheleh” this name is because this night is Forty days before the next major Persian festival, acording to zarasterians, "Jashn e Sadeh ". The start of the solar year has been marked to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and the renewal of the Sun. O n this night, the longest night of the year, the forces of “Ahriman”, The Evil, are assumed to be at the peak of their strength. While the next day, the first day of the month "Day" is known as "khoram rooz" or "khore rooz" (the day of sun) belongs to Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom. Since the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of Sun over the darkness.

There are certain things to be eaten on this night. Iranians have certain dried nuts mixed called “Ajeal_e Shab_e Yalda” which is diferent from the “Ajeal” which is served in the New Year. “Ajeal_e Shab_e Yalda” consits of roasted seeds, peanut, almond, hazel_nut, raisins and dried fruits such as, fig. Other things to be served on this night are pamegranate and watermelon. It is believed that if someone eats pamegranate and watermelon on this night he or she will no catch a cold during the winter.

There are many customs for this night. On this night families, relatives and friends get together to celebrate the longest night of the year. They chat, tell stories, read poems from“Divan of Hafez”. They consult “Divan of Hafez” this action is called “fall”.Hafez is strongly believed by Iranians to tell the truth. On this night most of people stay up late to benefit the longest night of the year for being together more and enjoying their time together.

This night celebrated in Iran is my favorite Iranian custom because it is usually the best night of my year beside my wonderful family members. In the contrary of the cold weather outside there is cozy and warm place inside which I love. I am looking forward to the next Shab_eYalda.

2 comments:

S. Susan Marandi said...

Good job; I liked this! :-)

Steven Iverson said...

is there a tradition of jumping over a candle
I have heard of this but I don't know what it means