of winter solstice ( summer solstice in southern hemisphere ) would be longer . Even in latitudes near 90 ° in both hemispheres the Sun would rise after 24 hours . The day after the winter solstice marks the beginning of lengthening days , leading up to the summer solstice in June . In the Southern Hemisphere , the opposite is true ; people will experience their longest day and shortest night . An interesting point is that this night in western Asia countries whose language is Persian and located between 25 ° to 45 ° latitude is just a few seconds longer than other nights ; So this difference is not tangible . However they have recognized this difference from ancient time even before Christ and have mentioned solstices and equinoxes in their calendar like Egyptians , Chinese , and Greeks . Such astronomical events have a great role in their lives . They performed religious rites and special fiestas on that day . According to the beliefs of Persians , after winter solstice in the beginning of winter ; days start getting longer eventually till the celebration of Persian new year in spring equinox , so they consider this time as a good omen and they have been celebrating this night with special traditions for centuries . they call this night ‘’ YALDA ’’ and the ceremony is called ‘’ SHAB-E- YALDA ’’ which means Yalda night . Yalda means BIRTH . Iranian believe that IZAD ( GOD ) will shine more sunshine on this land , people celebrate the special night of the birth of light and sun . Although this night has been through lots of changes over centuries ; its thematic principles still exist among Persians families and it never fades away . The most important part of SHAB-E- YALDA is gathering and spending time with each other . Iranian love to have fun and enjoy this beautiful night with their loved ones . They provide their best food and fruit like watermelon and pomegranate for this night . Watermelon and pomegranate are symbols of the sun because of their
The Earth and The Sun positions at December and June solstice
red color and they are still inseparable parts of this night . The food served at this night varies among different Persians regions , it depends on the agricultural products and geographical location in Iran or in countries such as Afghanistan , Tajikistan and Azerbaijan . Another beautiful and important tradition in SHAB-E-YALDA that has been seen for centuries is honoring the poets and elders of Persian literature . SHA ’ AH NA ’ AME is one of the most important works of epic poetry which is about ancient myth and beliefs of Persian nation . At Yalda night when the elder of family reads
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Iranian historical motifs indicates the antiquity of ancient rituals and celebrations in this region .
the SHA ’ AHNA ’ AMEH and they call the act of reading SHA ’ AHN ’ AAME , SHA ’ AHNA ’ AMEHKHA ’ ANI . the stories pf SHA ’ AHNA ’ AME are very popular among Iranians , especially children . Furthermore HAFEZ KHANI ( reading HAFEZ ’ S poems ) has very special place among families at this night . HAFEZ is a famous Iranian poet whose poems are very popular not only in Iran but also in the whole world . Over centuries and changes , Persians perform Yalda night ’ s traditions with prosperity and joy . It has become one of the oldest ceremonies in the world along with Christmas and New Year celebrations .
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