Persian Yaldā: A Night of Happiness
Yaldā Night is an Iranian Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice festival celebrated on the longest and darkest night of the year. In the Gregorian calendar, December 20/21 (±1) is the night between the last day of autumn and the first day of winter.
The longest and darkest night of the year is when friends and family gather together to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) until well after midnight. The day after is the sun's birthday, which will overcome the darkness of the longest night. Although the religious significance of Yalda with roots in the Zoroastrian tradition of the long dark night and Mithraism are lost, the old traditions of staying up late in the company of family and friends remain in Iranian culture to the present day.
Food plays a central role in today’s celebrations. In most parts of Iran, the extended family come together and enjoy a fine dinner at elders or grandparents' homes. Served are a wide variety of fruits and sweetmeats specifically prepared or kept for this night. Pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant, as the red colour in these fruits symbolize the crimson hues of dawn and the glow of life.
Photo courtesy of Golmehr Kazari.
After dinner, the older people entertain the group by telling tales, anecdotes and poetry. Those familiar with Hafez, one of the greatest Persian poets of all time, know that there's no single translation that can capture the poems' true meaning and essence. With that said, here's a translation of a verse by Hafez.
O pious of the heart, I am lost in a love so great
O pain the hidden secrets will become open debate.
Shipwrecked we just float, O favorable wind arise,
may we one more gaze upon that familiar trait.
Passage of time and the stars, are but what we fantasize
for compassion and kindness, it's never too late.
In the circle of wine and roses, nightingale's song is prize
with the aroma and the wine your senses satiate.
O Thou compassionate one, life giver and the wise
one day bestow thy grace upon this mendicant's state.
For peace of this world and the next, understand what I advise
magnanimity the lot of friends, and wise foes try to relate.
In the land of repute, our passage they will dispute
if this will not suit, don't stay mute, and transmute distastes of fate.
When destitute and in need, let your love and passion breed
life's alchemy, essence and seed, unimagined wealth shall create.
If unruly with pride, with a candle's zeal your flame will rise
Beloved turns stone to lave, and molten wax manipulate.
The Grail contains but wine, if only you realize
then the Kingdom of the world, at your but prostrate.
The good and wise magi, forgivers of lives and lies
bearer bring good news, drunkards' wine consecrate.
With this wine stained robe, Hafiz would never disguise
o untainted pure master, exempt us from this fate.
Poem by Hafez
Translation by Shahriar Shahriari
At this time of year, as we reflect and reconnect with our loved ones, we are remined of the importance of love, understanding and peace. The Living Peace Museum wishes you all peace and good health during your winter holiday celebrations.