Yalda Night, or Shab-e Yalda, is a culturally rich celebration in Iran, steeped in historical and symbolic significance. For millennia, Iranians have come together on this longest night of the year, the eve of winter solstice, to honor the occasion with diverse rituals and customs across different regions. It serves as a time for the Iranian community to connect with their heritage, embracing traditions that have endured through generations.
Since ancient times, pomegranate has been considered a sacred and heavenly fruit for Iranians. This delicious fruit symbolizes the sun, joy, laughter, and birth. The seeds hidden within the pomegranate represent fertility and birth, while the red color and the round shape of the fruit remind us of the color red and the circular form of the sun.
Despite being a summer fruit, watermelon is one of the main symbols of Shab-e Yalda. The round shape of this refreshing and colorful fruit resembles the earth, which has bestowed life upon humankind. The red interior also signifies the sun and its warmth.
In ancient Iran, dried fruits and nuts were a prevalent symbol of abundance and happiness during Shab-e Yalda. In the past, these nuts and dried fruits included walnuts, almonds, and raisins. However, over time, the variety of foods served during Shab-e Yalda has expanded.
Senjed is a symbol of wisdom and a reminder of the rebirth of the sun
Red apples symbolizes the redness of the sun, which dispels darkness.
In ancient Iran, with the arrival of Shab-e Yalda, people would light fires to fend off darkness and evil spirits. The fire or candle of Shab-e Yalda symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
Reading Shahnameh , poetry from Hafez and storytelling are among the other symbols of Shab-e Yalda. Storytelling by the elders was a common practice in ancient Iran, particularly on the night of Shab-e Yalda.