Shab-e Yalda or Shab-e Chelleh (Night of Yalda) is an Iranian festival celebrated on the 'longest and darkest night of the year', which is the last night of Autumn (This year it falls on 21 December).

Iran news / Iran Press: The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink tea and read poetry (especially Hafez) until well after midnight.

Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant

The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life.

The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz.

Shab-e Yalda was officially added to Iran's List of National Treasures in a special ceremony in 2008.    208/ 211 /103