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Shabe Yalda Mobarak! Your Guide to Yalda Celebration San Diego

Yalda Night is a popular celebration in the Persian community, signifying the longest, darkest night of the year. Typically, friends and family members gather together to eat, drink and recite poetry into the early morning hours.

This festival, celebrated by Iranians and Iranian Americans across the country, is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions symbolic of Persian culture, beliefs, and history. In this article, you will learn more about the origins and traditions associated with Yalda Night and how you can participate in the Yalda celebration San Diego.

Origins

Like the Winter Solstice, Yalda takes place during the longest night of the year. It marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter and typically falls on or around December 21. Its customs and traditions were created with the intention of keeping people safe from evil during the long night. According to the Iranian Calendar, the following day is another celebratory day that signifies the final ninety-day period before Nowruz, the start of the new year.

Traditions

There are many symbolic traditions and customs that are associated with Yalda night. Some of which are grounded in religion, and many are symbolic of the changing of the seasons. For instance, it was believed that evil forces were said to be at their most powerful during the longest, darkest night. It’s because of this that people were encouraged to gather together for protection and to avoid misfortune by staying awake for as much of the night as possible. These days the religious significance of this custom has faded, but people still gather together with friends and family enjoying themselves long past midnight.

Another Yalda Night tradition is to eat food like fruits and nuts. These are foods that are symbolic of the last of summer’s harvest. Watermelon and Pommegranet play a significant role. Their red fruit not only symbolizes the color of the late autumn sunsets but also represents the glow of life.

The various food served on Yalda night is also thought to protect against the various illness or harms that could befall a person during the coming months. Garlic, for instance, was said to protect against joint pain while whoever eats carrots and olives was said to be protected from insect bites.

Additionally, Yalda night is often marked with poetry readings. Most often, the Divan-e Hafez will be read aloud. As most Iranians know, this is a collection of poems by the Iranian poet Hafez.

How to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate Yalda night. Fortunately, little more than good food, good people, and good conversation are required.  If, however, hosting isn’t exactly one of your strong suits, you can attend one of many Yalda celebration San Diego events. Like the Yalda Night party hosted by the Association of Iranian American Professionals or the AIAP. You and your Yalda Night companions can eat delicious Iranian cuisine, dance, and have a good time without preparing your home for guests!

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