Iran news / Iran Press: The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink tea and read poetry (especially Hafez) until well after midnight.
Yalda Table
Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant
Decorated Watermelon for Yalda
Yalda Traditional Table
The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life.
The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz.
Divan-e Hafez
Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran's List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008. 208/ 211 /103
