Every year, on December 21st, Iranians around the world gather together to celebrate one of the traditions of their forefathers: #Yalda Night festival in #Iran.
Since ancient times, they have passed the longest and darkest night of the year, the last night of fall, the winter solstice, in the warm company of friends and family.
The night is filled with laughter, chatter, color, poetry, story-telling, and food.
This warm welcome to winter is also celebrated in the many countries in the region such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
This is the night when Iranians used to share the last remaining fruit from summer. And this is the night now Iranians let go and stuff themselves to their heart’s content!
One of the essential items of Yalda table is watermelon. The reason is that, from the good old days, Iranians believed that beginning winter by eating summer fruits will save one from falling ill during the cold season.
Also, pomegranates, which symbolize fertility, rebirth, and the cycle of life in Persian culture, also bless Yalda table with their red color.
Iranians serve them with dried mint and salt, or use them in cakes, desserts, and special Yalda dishes.
Nuts and dried fruit also add color and taste to Chelleh night table.
A nice dinner that traditionally includes pomegranates and walnuts is also a part of Yalda gatherings. So, mostly served at this night are Aush-e Anar(pomegranates soup), Fesenjoon, Anar polo(pomegranates rice), or Nardoon.
Today, a Yalda gathering is not complete to a modern Persian family without all the colorful food on the Yalda table (or Korsi).
Korsi, is a short table, with char coil heat put under it and covered with heavy cover, or rug, where family members sit on the floor, with their feet and part of their bodies under the warm Korsi, while munching on roasted nuts, water melon, dried fruits, pomegranates and finally some delicious food, mainly Fesenjun (thick pomegranates and walnut stew with duck or chicken) and plenty of rice.
