Wishing you a joyful Yalda Night!

Wishing you a joyful Yalda Night!

Yaldā/Chella is an ancient Iranian celebration marking the longest night of the year, coinciding with the last night of autumn. On this occasion, families get together, often at the houses of their elders, to read poetry and share traditional foods and fruits.

“Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah” 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 (Aash), sweets, dried fruits and nuts special to this occasion.

This night embodies much more than just a seasonal change; it celebrates light triumphing over darkness, warmth over cold, and togetherness over solitude. Families and friends gather to do various types of activities ranging from reciting poems (especially Hafiz's), giving gifts to new in-laws/brides and children, playing indoor games and enjoying “Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah” foods.

Yaldā/Chella has been inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022. The bellow explanation of the ceremony was provided:

“Yalda is an ancient celebration whereby the brilliance of the sun along with the warmth of life are cherished”.