yalda night

Wow, it's yalda night at last! Tonight we're going through the tradition of passing the night...
What is yalda night? Well, yalda is the longest winter night at 1st of Day, The longest night of year. Thee are some myths associated with this night but it's not my place to write about them... actually some of mythologists believe that Christmas is sort of derived from yalda & Mitra (God of Mehr & sun) myths & celebration. I am trying to find some sources & put the link here so you may know more about it! Meanwhile I can tell you the story I was told about it & my family tradition....
When we were young we used to listen to the story of how light fights evil through this longest night & how she wins & by the end of the night she walks back to earth....
It's been said that by keeping fire alive & lighting our houses we help light to fight & then find her way back to us! The lights are not supposed to go out all through the night & if there is fire place the fire must burn all night long. & most people tend to stay up till very late & chat...
I guess this night is eating-what-you-want-night! You know folks sit by the fire & while chatting, spend the night eating all kind of snacks! The first one to mention is Ajil-e-moshekgosha! This is kind of nuts which has some sweets along & it's very delicious! Folks eat them & think of their problems & they believe that the problem will be solved somehow.... It's a good thing to cheer up. I mean you think bitter but taste sweet & it reminds you that there is still sweetness & happiness around the corner.
Watermelons & pomegranates are very popular for eating during this night! I don't know why we have this RED fruits but there should be some kind of red fruit on the table for this night. Frozen fruits like cherries & strawberries are also very appealing. How do I love this night, just sitting there, eating snacks & listening to stories!
Enough from the eating part! Yalda is not all about eating! One of the main traditions of the night is reading Hafez! Fal gerftan as we call it. you light the candles & say a little prayer for Hafez soul & you ask him what would be your future & then open the book & read the first poem on the right side... You'll probably find it amazing that he actually hints about what you asked!
Yalda is what I call a family gathering. Most of the time folks gather in some older family member & stay there till 2-3 in the morning.... Somehow thanksgiving may be compared to yalda on this account. No one stays alone in this night.... This is a night to be thankful for loving & being loved....
Guess what? I have to go make some snacks ready for the night.... Enjoy your yalda
this is a cool link for knowing more about yalda.