Yalda Night, or the Night of the Great Chalice, is one of the oldest Iranian celebrations, celebrated each year on the longest night of the year. This night coincides with the winter solstice and marks the beginning of longer days in the Northern Hemisphere. Yalda Night begins at sunset on Azar 30 and continues until sunrise on Dey 1, when families gather to celebrate and welcome Nowruz. On this night, Iranians prepare and eat fruits and nuts such as pomegranates, watermelons, and persimmons as a family; these fruits symbolize life, energy, and hope.
