Şeb-i Yelda is a tradition that attracts attention with its meaning and rituals and is one of the names attributed to December 21st. The content of this tradition includes various rituals. The Şeb-i Yelda tradition continues to be alive throughout Iran, especially in the Mazenderan province of Iran.
called winter anniversary on December 21It is the peak of Şeb-i Yelda and celebrations are held in various places, especially in Iran. This day marks the longest night and the beginning of winter when the Sun is at right angles to the Tropic of Capricorn. long nights, It will be shortened until Nevruz, March 21st.
December 21, winter solstice, sun rays Tropic of CapricornIt occurs at a right angle to , and therefore occurs at different times each year. It also appears as a night that connects December 20 to December 21 in some years, and December 21 to December 22 in some years.
In nearby geographies, especially Iran and Azerbaijan, “horrem ruz” or “holy night” During Şeb-i Yelda, also known as Şeb-i Yelda, certain rituals are performed. During this period, pomegranates are eaten, watermelons are cut, and various invitations and entertainments are organized to symbolize abundance.
Şeb-i Yelda Celebrations and Their Meanings
Its real name is “Shab-e Yaldā” Şeb-i YeldaAccording to the Persian calendar, it is considered a new year when the old year ends and the new year begins. Like many traditions in Iranian culture, Şeb-i Yelda has its origins in Zoroastrianism from tradition and Ahura Mazda It comes from his belief.
The word Yelda symbolically means the founder of the cosmic order and the god of light. mithraIt represents ‘s birthday. During the Şeb-i Yelda celebrations held in Iran, the family usually gathers at the elders’ house, various foods such as watermelon and pomegranate are prepared, and this ritual usually continues until sunrise in the morning. The purpose of this celebration is to prevent the evil that will come in the darkness of the longest night and at the same time to witness the end of evil by witnessing the sunrise.
Rituals of eating and offering pomegranates is also important. According to his belief; It is believed that those who consume pomegranates tonight will stay away from diseases throughout the year. It is believed that when you break a pomegranate in front of your house, abundance will increase throughout the year. Offering pomegranates to guests helps to relieve heartbreaks, end resentments and alleviate heartaches. The entry of pomegranate into the house symbolizes the belief that darkness will decrease and light will increase during that year.
In Eastern literature And in divan literature Şeb-i Yelda has been an important theme. These long nights are considered to be the times when the pain of lovers and sufferers reaches their peak. It is emphasized that the meaning and depth of Şeb-i Yelda can be better understood not by those who follow astronomy or time, but by those who are kneaded by sadness and pain.
It is stated that those who are surrounded by sorrow and sorrow will know better the depths of Şeb-i Yelda, not astrologers or muvakkids. The meaning of these long nights is expressed by considering them to be closer to the mood of those who suffer:
“What does the astrologer and the muvakkit know about the sunrise? Ask the gamma about the sunrise, how many hours are the nights?”
(Still)
Astrologer: astronomer
Muwaqqid: A person who determines and announces prayer times according to the movements of the sun.
Mubtelâ-yi sorrow: Addicted to sadness and grief.
“The story of love extends in the wind until dawn, until Mecnun finishes his speech and Leyla speaks.”
(Yahya Kemal)
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