Yalda Night

Tonight is Yalda, the longest night of the year. We Iranians have a tradition of celebrating this night. Traditionaly we stay up late, read beautiful ghazal (poetry) of Hafez, eat watermelon and pamegranate and nuts. For me this night has always had a special meaning. During the years of primary, secondary and highschool, it was always concided with end of semester exams. The tradition of reading Hafiz poetry based on auspices, mixed with the typical exam night suspense was so sweet and sour! And thinking that from tomorrow, slowly days are going to be longer and longer. Yes, it's the start of winter, but already the hope of spring is reflected in the length of the days!

Happy Yalda! Happy Holidays!