1. Yalda Night
Sara Nasrollahi

2. The longest night
Yalda night also known as Shab-e Chelleh, is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran which marks the longest night of the year. Every year, on December 21st Iranians celebrate it.

3. Red is the symbol of Yalda night.
The red-colored fruits symbolize the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life, invoking the glory of Mithra. Pomegranates with angelica powder are believed to protect individuals against the Devil!

4. Origin
Mithra, the angel of light and truth, was born at the end of this night after defeating darkness, so Iranians celebrate the arrival of winter and the victory of light over darkness.
Mithra

5. At this night:
Family members gather (most often in the house of the eldest member) and stay awake all night long in Yalda.

6. Activities What Iranians do at yalda night? Taking photos
Poem reading
Praying
Divination
Taking photos
Talking together
Eating
telling stories and jokes
Smoking Ghelion

7. Poem reading at Yalda night
Which poems?
The poems of Divan-e-Hafez(The Divan of Hafez), which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranians families.
Hafez
One of the best Iranians poets

8. Praying
At this night, the oldest member of the family says prayers, thanking God for previous year's blessings, and prays for prosperity in the coming year.

9. Divination
One of the traditions of Yalda night is divination by the Divan of Hafez.
In this way you may know what is your fortune.
It is believed that one should not divine by the Divan of Hafez more than three times, however, or the poet may get angry.

10. are served as a tradition.
Eating
Nuts
Watermelon
Pomegranate
are served as a tradition.

11. Eating
After praying and reading poems the eldest member of family cuts the watermelon and gives everyone a share. The cutting symbolizes the removal of sickness and pain from the family. Snacks are passed around throughout the night, pomegranates with angelica powder and a mixture of nuts and dried fruits. The fruits signify the hope for having a fruitful spring and summer.

12. Yalda is not dedicated to Iran and it’s celebrated in other countries such as:
 Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
 Kurdistan(Iraq)
Uzbekistan
Turkey

13. This night is one of the best chances to be together and enjoy life with family.
Happy Yalda night
21 December , the longest night of the year

14. Finish