یلدا

Definition

The winter solstice night — families stay up with pomegranates, watermelon and Hafez poems.

Example

Etymology

'یلدا' (yaldā) stems from the Middle Persian term 'ژاله' (zhāle), meaning 'birth' or 'rebirth', referring to the winter solstice celebration. Its significance is rooted in ancient Persian traditions.

How & Where It’s Used

'یلدا' is used in both formal and informal contexts when celebrating the longest night of the year, recognized predominantly in Iran and among its diaspora worldwide.

Related Terms