The Longest Night: Shabe Yalda

To many people December is a month of Christmas trees and vacation, advent calendars and cringy movies. These seemingly timeless traditions feel as if they have existed forever, when in fact they are the biproducts of only the past few centuries. Furthermore, these Westerners associations with December stem from Judeo-Christian religions, which appear infantile in comparison to the far older Zoroastrianism.

In Iran, these trivial indulgences fall on deaf ears as Iranians gather to honor an ancient tradition tied to the turn of the seasons. The celebration is Shabe Yalda and it comes from the Zoroastrian religion and "dates back to 502 BC as a gathering of friends and family to ward off the evil of darkness on the longest night and to welcome the new day" (Yonkers). It takes place on the Winter Solstice (a special event in Zoroastrian cosmology) and the significance this day marks the end of long nights and the beginning of brighter days. The day symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

To celebrate this special celestial event, Iranians gather with famlily and friends to enjoy the long night. They will read poetry (often the revered Hafez) or have a feast. Foods associated with this night include nuts, pomegranates, and watermelon. Pomegranates, or anar in Farsi, are a symbol of fertility and vitality in Iran.