Yalda: Calling in the Light

Join us for an evening gathering sharing stories, poetry, and more for Yalda, the winter solstice. This year we dedicate our evening with prayers and sacred rituals honoring the bravery of the Iranian people who are facing a long period of unrest. Feel free to share stories or poetry during this third annual online Yalda gathering. Together let us bring back the light and call in peace and unity.

Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra, Persian God of Light and Truth.

The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) and Shahnameh until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz. Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran’s List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is observed in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, by Iraqi Kurdistan, and in Turkey by Kurds and Azeris.

All are welcome. Please register in advance to obtain a link to the online presentation.

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