Millions of Iranians around the world are preparing for the traditional Persian winter Solstice celebration, Yalda Night, symbolizing triumph of light over darkness.
Yalda Night (Yalda Eve), as the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is commemorated on or around December 20 or 21 each year.
Nowadays,Yalda has become a social occasion when friends and family gather to eat, drink and practice bibliomancy with the poetry of the highly respected mystic Iranian poet, Hafez.
Fruits, particularly pomegranates and watermelons, and nuts are served in this night. The fruits signify the hope for having a fruitful spring and summer.