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'Night-Grazing' Is the Persian Tradition That Keeps Food Lovers Up All Night Long

Yalda Night, also known as Shab-e Yalda or the Persian Winter Solstice, is an ancient Iranian festival celebrated on the longest night of the year, December 20-21. This celebration, which has roots in Zoroastrianism, marks the victory of light over darkness as days begin to lengthen following the solstice. Families gather to stay awake through the night, engaging in poetry readings, storytelling, and enjoying traditional foods like pomegranates, watermelons, and nuts, which symbolize the sun's colors and the hope for a prosperous new year. The festival also includes the consumption of special dishes like ash-e reshteh (a hearty noodle soup) and khoresh-e fesenjan (a pomegranate and walnut stew). Yalda Night serves as a cultural touchstone, reinforcing family bonds and community spirit, and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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[ https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-yalda-night-8762426 ]