Happy Yalda at the end of the world!!

 

Anyway Happy Yalda!

 

I don't think any donkey can be found in Tehran, there are different customs and traditions of Yalda night in Iran, those things which certainly relate to this night and can be found almost everywhere are watermelon, pomegranate and nuts.

 

 

Well as your spinning towards it first, before I; you will know before me.  However, I will post if I see you have made it through. The difference is 10.5 hours. Unless I am drinking...then? No guarantees.

 

Ntl. My best wishes for you and those, who hold Yalda special.

 

 

 

Hq's in the Field

Apache NF

Vic: Clifton, AZ.

 

Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:10PM GMT - Millions of Iranians around the world are preparing for the traditional Persian winter Solstice celebration, Yalda Night, symbolizing triumph of light over darkness.

Yalda Night (Yalda Eve), as the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is commemorated on or around December 20 or 21 each year.

The annual winter ceremony manifests the traditional concept of light and good prevailing over darkness and evil in the ancient Iranian religion.

According to Iranian mythology, from Yalda night forward, days grow longer. This celebration, based on the Iranian calendar, comes in the Persian month of Day, named after the pre-Zoroastrian god of creation and light (Deity).

Yalda has a root in Zoroastrian belief, to be exact, Mithraism religion. The Mithraists believed that Mithra, the Persian god of light and truth, was born to a virgin mother in the morning of the longest night of the year, symbolizing the Sun god overcoming the powers of darkness.

Having the belief, ancient Iranians gathered in caves throughout the night to witness this miracle together at dawn. They were known as 'Yar-e Ghar' (Cave Mates).

According to some beliefs narrated in Persian poetry, many unpleasant events such as the separation between loved ones, loneliness and waiting would be over after Yalda Night (dubbed Shab-e Yalda or Shab-e Chelleh in Persian).

Nowadays,Yalda has become a social occasion when friends and family gather to eat, drink and practice bibliomancy with the poetry of the highly respected mystic Iranian poet, Hafez.

Fruits, particularly pomegranates and watermelons, and nuts are served in this night. The fruits signify the hope for having a fruitful spring and summer.

The red-colored fruits are believed to symbolize the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life, invoking the glory of Mithra. Pomegranates with angelica powder are also believed to protect individuals against the Devil.

Yalda Night was officially added to Iran's List of National Treasures during a special ceremony in 2008.

Today the most important thing for Iranian women is "Watermelon of Yalda", this is the third watermelon that my wife is already working on it, she hopes her work is chosen as the best one tonight.

 

Some watermelons of Yalda: