Iranians not to hold get-togethers at Yalda night due to COVID-19 pandemic
Hooman Abedi
Press TV, Tehran
Every year at this night, Iranians celebrate one of the most ancient Persian festivals known as Yalda, the longest night of the year, but this year there will be no celebration.
It is a winter solstice celebration and also the last night of autumn. Literally, Yalda means birth and it refers to the birth of the mythological goddess of light. Iranians celebrate the last night of autumn as the renewal of the sun and the victory of light over darkness.
Iranian usually get together on Yalda night at the house of the grandparents and the elderly to enjoy the longest night of the year eating fruits and nuts, reading Hafez poems and making good wishes, but this year due to the spread of the coronavirus it is recommended that people stay at home and congratulate the event on the phone and the social media.
People also told Press TV that as they want to be next to their beloved ones the next year, they will not get together on this occasion.
People eat nuts, watermelons, and pomegranates on this special night. These fruits have symbolic significance. Some say watermelon symbolizes the sun while others believe that it keeps them safe from winter diseases. The bright seeds of pomegranate symbolize the glow of life.
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