Advent Calendar: Shab-e Yalda

The Persian celebration Shab-e Yaldā ("Yalda night" شب یلدا) is traditionally held on the shortest night of the year, usually around December 20/21st. Traditionally, it is meant to mark the triumph of light over the darkness of winter, and the return of the sun.

There is food, of course -- there is always food when humans celebrate things -- and often the reading of poetry, particularly that of the poet Hafez. I do not read Farsi, but I cannot help but think the sonnets would be even lovelier if I did.

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