Persian Yalda Celebration: Celebrating The Longest Night of the Year!

 شب یلدا Shab-e Yalda (Night of Yalda) refers to the longest night of the year, the beginning of winter and the triumph of light over darkness. Monday, December 21, is the winter solstice (yalda) which  has been celebrated in our culture for hundreds of years. On the eve of yalda, families and friends gather together, stay up till midnight, tell stories, reminisce and read poetry while sipping hot tea and eating sweet watermelon, pomegranate and an assortment of nuts and seeds.

It's a night that we take out the poetry book of Hafez and recite from it. Those who are familiar with Hafiz's poetry know that  there's not a single translation that can capture its true meaning and essence. With that said, here's a translation of a verse by Hafez, one of the greatest Persian poets of all time.

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

I can't help but think about all those Iranians that kept these festivities alive throughout the centuries amidst the sometimes harsh and unfavorable circumstances. I owe every one of them a heartfelt thank you and gratitude. They have kept the hope alive and passed it on year after year. I hope to join in with all the Iranians, if not in person but in spirit, and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Happy Yalda, Yalda Mobarak!