Iranian Yalda Night or Shab-e Chelleh
One of the oldest Persian celebrations, Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night), sometimes referred to as Shab-e Chelleh, is annually observed on December 21 by Iranians all over the world. Yalda is a winter solstice celebration that occurs at the end of autumn and on the eve of the first day of winter, which is the year’s longest night.
Iranians commemorate the last night of fall as the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness since days get longer and nights are shorter in the winter.
On Shab-e Yalda, people meet friends or relatives, generally at the house of grandparents or the elderly members of the family, to celebrate the longest night of the year by eating nuts and fruits, reciting the poems of the Iranian renowned poet, Hafiz, expressing good wishes, conversing and entertaining each other to welcome winter and bid farewell to fall.
Yalda night: Celebrating the Longest Night of the Year
Some historians are of the opinion that this festivity dates back to more than 7000 years ago. It is also said that in the year 502 BC, the Iranian king, Darius I, legally included Shab-e Yalda into the ancient Iranian calendar. The name Yalda is derived from a Syriac word meaning “Birth”.
The shortest days really occur in the last days of fall, and the first night of winter signifies the birth of the Sun (Mehr) and the beginning of the year, as understood by ancient people. They, therefore, referred to this night as the Sun’s birth. Some people think that this idea also serves as the foundation for Christian Christmas.
Shab-e Yalda is a lovely festivity with a rich history and fascinating background that can also be used in modern-day settings. Since ceremonies and rituals have been a part of human life since time immemorial, maintaining and engaging in them can give us a sense of purpose and a connection to nature and the central ideas of life.
Delicious Food, Essential Part of Yalda Night!
Food is an important thing during Yalda night, much like it is for Thanksgiving. Iranians use the last of the summer fruits on this particular evening. This is the night when Iranians may relax and enjoy such fruits as watermelon decorating their Yalda’s table.
The explanation is that Iranians have long thought that starting the winter off with summer fruits will prevent one from becoming sick during the chilly season. Pomegranates, which in Persian culture represent fertility, rebirth, and the cycle of life, also grace the Yalda table with their vibrant red color.
Yalda meetings also involve a lovely supper that usually includes pomegranates and walnuts. As a result, Ash-e Anar, Fesenjoon, Anar polo, or Nardoon (Persian local foods) are typically offered on this night.
A modern Persian family does not consider a Yalda gathering to be complete without all the vibrant cuisine on the Yalda table (or Korsi). Persians are quite particular about how the Yalda table is decorated.
Divan-e Hafez (Hafez Khaani)
Reciting “Divan-e Hafez” is one of the cornerstones of an authentic Yalda in Iran. There is usually at least one “Divan-e Hafez” in every Iranian household. Make a “Faal” out of this book, that’s what you ought to do.
Faal is consulting Hafez’s odes as a form of divination. What you need to do is ask Hafez for advice and support by making a request or asking a query regarding your present life issues in your heart. The poem that emerges when you open the Divan (Hafez’s poetry book) at random would be the response to your query.
Obviously, you need a book with the translations in it or someone Iranian standing by who can translate it for you. The oldest family member, often a grandfather, opens the book and reads the poem for each member of the family. Because some people find Hafez’s responses to be quite accurate and relatable, it is really a fun experience.
Origins: Where Does Yalda Come from?
Yalda, also referred to as Chelleh, originates in the pre-Zoroastrian tradition of Mithraism, which is one of the best festivities lasting until sunrise after the longest night of the year. The longest and darkest night of the year was thought by the ancient Persians to be when evil powers were most powerful.
Yalda Night Inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Shab-e Yalda or Chella, has been considered part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This was announced on the occasion of the 17th session of the intergovernmental committee for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Rabat, Morocco on 29 November 2022. The UNESCO fact sheet proudly characterizes this ancient event as a mirror of cultural identity, hospitality, peaceful coexistence friendship, and cultural diversity, highlighting its unique characteristics that have greatly and positively influenced the world’s culture.
Being part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inscriptions means recognizing the country’s heritage and its importance in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalization. Intangible Cultural Heritage means helping intercultural dialogue and fostering mutual respect for other ways of life. Its importance lies not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge and skills that are transmitted through it from one generation to another.
Yalda Night or Shab-e Chelleh Festivity in Iran
Since ancient times Iranians divide winter into two parts, referring to them as “Chelleh”. The first Chelleh, which is called “big chelleh” begins on the first day of winter coinciding with 21 December.
The Yalda Night or Shab-e Chelleh, which is a traditional Iranian festivity has been observed by Iranians from pre-historic times.
Why Do Iranians Celebrate This Night?
Yalda Night, also known as Shab-e Chelleh, derives its name from the Syriac language meaning “birth”. Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day, hence it is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light. According to legends, Yalda Night traditions were created in the distant past to guard against evil during the longest night.
How is Yalda Held?
The doorbell rings and it appears that everyone in the family is making their way to the residence of the family patriarch during one of the top celebrations. At their elders’ home, the family and guests come to celebrate Shab-e Yalda.
At home, special arrangements are also made; a sort of heater is put up on the floor, a large table with short legs is positioned above it, and a sizable crimson blanket covers the entire scene. The name of it is Korsi. In the past, in the absence of modern-day equipment, Korsi was the solution for cold winter nights. Not all houses have Korsi nowadays, but it is still a tradition to set up one on Shab-e Yalda to gather around and enjoy the warmth.
The hosts arrange various plates of fruits and nuts on top of the Korsi. The youngsters are instructed to partake in one of the practices of this night, which includes eating delicious almonds as well as fruits like watermelon and pomegranates. When Shab-e Chelleh is approaching, one might find these fruits and nuts put out in the streets and bazaars, being sold and offered to passersby.
The doorbell stops ringing when all of the guests have arrived and the night goes on. They consume watermelon or pomegranates while seated around the Korsi. They consume nuts. They talk and laugh till the sun comes up, remembering happy times and relishing the chance to be back home together and in one other’s presence.
Various fruits and sweet treats that have been specially prepared or stored for this evening are presented. The event is often accompanied by foods like dried fruits, watermelons, pomegranates, and dried fruit. All of these things and more are frequently put on a Korsi, which is where people sit.
They start talking about dinner as they eat. Every city in Iran has something distinctive to offer for the historic Yalda night celebration. Iran is a large country. Iranian chicken stew with walnuts and pomegranates called Khoresh-e Fesenjun is the dish that is served most frequently. Sabzi Polo Maahi, a rice dish with chopped herbs and whitefish or smoked fish, is the traditional Shab-e Yalda meal in the Gilan district of northern Iran.
Havij Polo, a type of carrot rice typically served with chicken and saffron that has been roasted in Persia, is the night’s special dish in Shiraz.
Kalam Polo, a dish made with rice and cabbage that is also very well-known in Shiraz, is another popular option. Every city in Iran celebrates this night by serving the local cuisine; however, what is interesting is that in the majority of the cities, pomegranates and dry fruits are the main ingredients for Shab-e Chelleh cuisine. In Qazvin people eat Nardoon (pomegranate stew) or Anar Polo (pomegranate rice).
Why Is Yalda Red? (The Special Appearance of Shab-e Yalda)
The dominant color of the night is red. Most of the visitors on this special night also wear red, so pomegranates and watermelons are not the only red-colored things. Red is often associated with the dawn’s crimson tones and the brightness of life. A holiday called Shab-e Chelleh honors the victory of light over darkness. On this night, many candles and light decorations are typically used in homes and gardens to emphasize the significance of light. The festival is sometimes celebrated with fireworks.
Yalda Night’s Inscription on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Shab-e Yalda or Chella, has been considered part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This was announced on the occasion of the 17th session of the intergovernmental committee for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Rabat, Morocco on 29 November 2022.
The UNESCO fact sheet proudly characterizes this ancient event as a mirror of cultural identity, hospitality, peaceful coexistence friendship, and cultural diversity, highlighting its unique characteristics that have greatly and positively influenced the world’s culture.
Being part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inscriptions means recognizing the country’s heritage and its importance in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalization. Intangible Cultural Heritage means helping intercultural dialogue and fostering mutual respect for other ways of life. Its importance lies not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge and skills that are transmitted through it from one generation to another.
How is Yalda Celebrated in Iran?
Since ancient times, Iranians and certain other peoples in the Middle East and Central Asia have celebrated Shabe Yalda. People host elaborate gatherings at special tables and sit around late-night conversations while people read poetry and crack & share jokes with their friends, families, and loved ones.
What is Yalda Night in Islam?
The religious importance of the old Persian festivals was lost with the advent of Islam. Despite the introduction of Islam and Muslim ceremonies, Shab-e Yalda is still frequently celebrated in Iran today. “Shab-e Chelleh” is now just a get-together for pleasure and festivities for family and friends.
How Old is Yalda Night?
One of the sacred nights in ancient Iran was known as “Yalda Night”; starting in 502 BC, and being included in the ancient Persian official calendar during the rule of the Iranian king, Darius I.
Yalda Night; Celebrating the Longest Night of the Year
Iran is one of the oldest countries in the world. Usually, being a country with centuries of history behind it means having lots of celebrations, ceremonies, and customs being held annually. The celebration of Yalda Night is one of them. Iranians have celebrated the longest night of the year for centuries, and on December 21 of each year, they have waited for the sun to come up again and celebrated the dawn of the first day of winter and welcomed the longer days, the presence of light and warmth for a minute more each day.
The story behind Yalda Night
Yalda Night or Shabe Chelleh, which marks the last night of autumn, has been a part of the Iranian culture and celebrated in Iran since times immemorial.
The last night of autumn (of the Iranian calendar) and the first night of winter, which is the longest night in the whole year, and since then the nights begin to get short and the days become longer.
In the past, Iranians celebrated several different days as the beginning of the year, one of which was the first day of the month of Dey, coinciding with 22 January, which marked the end of one cosmic time cycle and the beginning of another time cycle and the beginning of winter. This night was known as the eve of the birthday of Izadmehr or Mitra, the rebirth of the Sun, and the symbol of Mehr.
Yalda is the eve of the beginning of winter and corresponds to the night of the beginning of the great chelleh of winter. Traditionally the Iranian people spend this night together with family and friends until late midnight and at times until the next morning. Iranians of different regions decorate the special table for this night with a collection of summer and autumn fruits like pomegranates and watermelons and try to stay awake throughout the longest night of the year by eating fruits and nuts and telling stories and reading the poems of Iranian poets like Hafez and Ferdowsi. It is commonly believed that by staying awake on this night, until the rising of the winter sun, people would remove the demon of darkness from their lives.
Shab-e-Yalda (Yalda Night), also known as Shab-e Chelleh, is one of the most ancient Persian festivals annually celebrated on December 21 by Iranians all around the world. Yalda is a winter solstice celebration; it marks the end of autumn and the lengthiest night of the year. Since days get longer and nights shorter in winter, Iranians celebrate the last night of autumn as the renewal of the sun and the victory of light over darkness. On Shab-e-Yalda, people gather in groups of friends or families, usually at the home of grandparents or the elderly, to pass the longest night of the year happily by eating nuts and fruits, reading Hafiz poems, making good wishes, talking and laughing all together to give a warm welcome to winter, and a felicitous farewell to autumn. “Shab e Chelleh” is a night of get-togethers for pleasure and festivities for family and friends.
How is this night celebrated in Iran?
Eating is a delicious part of Yalda Night. Iranians eat nuts, watermelons, and pomegranates on this special night and share the last remaining fruits from summer together. Fruits of Shab-e-Yalda have symbolic significance as well. Some believe that watermelon symbolizes the sun by its spherical shape, while others believe that eating watermelon keeps one safe from being hurt by winter diseases. Pomegranate is also a symbol of birth, and its bright red seeds symbolize the glow of life.
Hafez Khaani
Shams Al-din Mohammad Hafez Shirazi is one of the most famous Iranian poets of the fourteenth century. He is highly valued and much loved by Iranians. Almost all Iranians keep a copy of Hafez’s book of poems called Divan in their homes.
Reading poems from Divan-e-Hafiz (Fal-e Hafiz) is an entertaining tradition of Yalda Night. Each family member or a group of friends makes a wish-while keeping it a secret- and randomly opens the book; then, the eldest member of the family or friends reads the randomly selected poem loudly. Since the poem is believed to be the interpretation of the wish and the way it would come true, it is fun to interpret the poetry and guess the wishes others make. In this way, the last and the longest autumn night ends happily, and the first great day of winter begins.
Shab-e-Yalda and its traditions are so amusing and interesting that they were officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in 2008. Yalda Night is also celebrated in countries, such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, and some of the Caucasian states such as Azerbaijan and Armenia since they share the same traditions as well.
Yalda Night’s Registration on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
According to the news by ECO Cultural Iran and Indian narrative, ‘Yalda/Chelleh’ has been added as the new inscription on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage by the suggestion of Iran and Afghanistan. Hopefully, this news adds another chapter to the age-old friendship between two ancient neighboring civilizations. The UNESCO fact sheet proudly characterizes this ancient event as a mirror of cultural identity, hospitality, peaceful coexistence friendship, and cultural diversity, highlighting its unique characteristics that have greatly and positively influenced the world’s culture.
