As winter approaches, the Iranian community prepares to welcome Yalda Night, or Shab-e Yalda – the longest night of the year – celebrated as a moment of renewal, warmth, and hope.
In this ancient celebration, families gather at the home of their eldest member, staying awake late into the night to share food, stories, and laughter. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, as after this night, days begin to grow longer.
For Iranian-Canadian entrepreneur Amir Hosh, owner of Ayoub’s Dried Fruits and Nuts, Yalda Night is more than a celebration – it’s a connection to his heritage and community.
“Yalda night reflects themes of community, continuity, and gratitude,” he explained. “It’s similar to what Christmas is for people – a family gathering, sharing food, poetry, and stories. It’s about staying up late and enjoying time together.”
Founded in North Vancouver 15 years ago, Ayoub’s now boasts eight locations across the Lower Mainland and recently opened a new branch at Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver.
On Yalda Night, special foods are central to the celebration, each holding symbolic meaning. Juicy slices of watermelon, with their vibrant red color, represent health. Pomegranates symbolize fertility and life. Nuts and seeds are shared as a gesture of abundance, fostering conversation and joy among families. Traditional Persian sweets add a final touch of sweetness to the occasion, making the longest night of the year a feast for both the heart and the senses.
“It’s always a busy time for us at the store,” said Hosh. “We work late to make sure people have what they need for their celebrations.”
His stores become hubs of activity in the days leading up to the celebration as customers seek out festive mixes of nuts and dried fruits to grace their gatherings.
“There is a special mix we prepare for Yalda,” Hosh said, describing a medley that includes shelled pistachios, almonds, raisins, apricots, and Persian delights infused with walnuts. “Each region of Iran has its own variation, but the mix always represents abundance and sharing.”
Reciting verses from classical Persian poets like Hafez is a beloved tradition. Also, elders share tales and anecdotes, often related to Persian mythology and heritage.
Massoud Karimaei, an Iranian-Canadian calligrapher recently awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal, will celebrate Yalda Night with his family in North Vancouver.
“My family celebrates Yalda Night by gathering together, sharing a delicious spread of foods such as pomegranates, watermelons, and nuts, and reading poetry, often from Hafez,” he said. “It’s a warm and joyous occasion where we tell stories, enjoy each other’s company, and stay up late to mark the longest night of the year with laughter and love.”
Karimaei recalls many memories from Yalda Nights, but one in particular holds a special place in his mind.
“One Yalda Night, I wrote and calligraphed a poem that included the line: With your curls, like the tale of our troubles, renowned for their length, such as the Yalda Night. The verse beautifully captured the essence of Yalda,” he said. Using a special pen, he created the piece, but the pen was misplaced shortly afterward and remained lost for years. After moving to Canada, Karimaei found the pen on another Yalda Night, a lucky discovery that bridged his past and present.
“I accidentally stumbled upon that pen after years of thinking it was lost. It felt a moment connecting my past and present through the spirit of Yalda,” he said. “Yalda is nostalgic. It reminds people of family, of the warmth of gathering. That’s why it’s celebrated so passionately.”
At the end of the night, there is a special moment to relax.
“My family stays up, and we celebrate together – talking, laughing, and enjoying the snacks,” said Hosh. “As a child, I was even allowed to stay up late for Yalda, which made it feel extra special.”
Amir emphasized the importance of preserving Yalda Night traditions, both within the Iranian community and beyond.
“Any excuse for people to connect and spend time together is a good one,” he said. “I hope more people, including those from other communities, are introduced to Yalda and join in the celebration.”
For Karimaei, Yalda Night embodies far more than the longest night of the year – it is a celebration of resilience, unity, and hope.
“It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness,” he said, emphasizing its deep cultural significance for Iranians. “The occasion serves as a powerful reminder of togetherness and gratitude, values that lie at the heart of this cherished celebration. In a world that is constantly changing, Yalda Night provides a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with heritage, honor cultural identity, and ensure these traditions are passed down to future generations.”
The community will celebrate Yalda Night on Dec. 20, a time of deep cultural and historical significance in Iranian traditions, rooted in Zoroastrianism. The word Yalda means “birth” in Syriac, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun as the days begin to lengthen following the solstice.
Hamid Jafari is a Vancouver-based freelance journalist who writes about the Iranian community in Canada, art, culture, and social media trends. He has done two placements with the North Shore News that were supported by New Canadian Media. [email protected]
