Yalda Night: a celebration of culture and winter's arrival
With approximately 14 hours of darkness enveloping half the globe, Yalda Night symbolizes the transition into winter.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Yalda Night, also known as Chelle Night, marks the last evening of autumn and the longest night of the year, celebrated with reverence and joy by the Kurdish and Persian communities. This ancient cultural event coincides with the winter solstice, a celestial moment when the Earth is at its farthest point from the sun.
With approximately 14 hours of darkness enveloping half the globe, Yalda Night symbolizes the transition into winter. The occasion is steeped in cultural significance, blending age-old traditions with lively festivities.
In Kurdish and Persian societies, Yalda Night is a time for gatherings, poetry recitations, and songs, creating a warm and spirited atmosphere. Families and friends come together around tables laden with fruits and vegetables, a custom particularly cherished in Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) and across Iran. Watermelon and pomegranates, seen as symbols of health and prosperity, are the centerpieces of these festive spreads.
As communities embrace the longest night of the year, Yalda Night serves as a reminder of resilience, unity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.