On December 21, a solemn event dedicated to the celebration of Shab-e Yalda was held at the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Ashgabat. This ancient Iranian holiday symbolizes the longest night before the winter solstice.
The room was decorated with garlands of fruits and fruits, which are symbols of the holiday.
The ceremony was attended by the Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Ruzbekhani, Cultural Advisor Navid Rasuli, embassy staff, and invited guests.
Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Ruzbahani congratulated everyone on the holiday and explained the significance of Yalda as a historical and cultural event.
- The word “Yalda” means “rebirth” and “birthday” and is directly related to the Sun. Speaking of Yalda, Iranians believe that after the longest night of the year, the sun will rise, the days will become longer, and the divine light will intensify.
At the festive ceremony, course students studying the Persian language read poems about Yalda and acted out a comedy skit. They were given souvenirs, and all guests and participants of the event were given gifts related to the Yalda holiday.
The Yalda Night was officially listed as a national treasure of Iran at a special ceremony in 2008. Yalda is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, read poetry (especially Hafiz) and Shahnameh. They eat fruits and nuts, pomegranates and watermelons are especially important. The red color of these fruits symbolizes the crimson shades of dawn and the radiance of life.
