The 21st of December is the last day of the month of Azar, which begins on November 21st. December 21st is the longest night of the year and is known as Chelleh or Yalda in Afghanistan. In many towns, including the capital Kabul and the city of Balkh, families have gathered together since ancient times to celebrate this night. They keep this old tradition alive by narrating tales and describing past events.
One of the most common pastimes during this night is the recounting of myths. Families get together in the home, make it nice and warm and offer a variety of sweets and fruits as they listen to the narrators who stand in the middle of the room reciting their beautiful words.
This night symbolises darkness. Afghans and Indo-Europeans all know that from then on the days get longer. They therefore stay awake through the night, waiting for the dawn in order to witness the rising of the sun. They look forward to days of sunshine.
Sunrise symbοlises brightness and warmth. Locals believe that with the regularly increasing length of the day and the increased brightness of the sun after the 21st, darkness shrinks and the strength of Ahriman (the devil) diminishes.
In ancient times, it was believed that a fight between Good and Evil took place during that night. Evil was vanquished and so daybreak and the brilliance of the sun (the victory of light over darkness) revealed the beauty of Good.
The beliefs behind the foods offered on Chelleh night.
As well as gathering together in their homes and narrating myths, people eat specific dishes. Not only is the actual food itself important, but so is the way it is presented.
For example, watermelon, which symbolises the coming of the summer, is one of the basic fruits consumed that night and has to be cut and decorated in a specific way. People believe that if you eat watermelon that night you will not fall ill the following winter.
People also eat pomegranate, which symbolises joy and fertility and since ancient times was believed to increase blood circulation in humans.
Nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts and hazelnuts, as well as dried fruits are also considered by locals to be very good for you.
In this way, even the darkest night of the year ends with daylight and the brightness of the Sun.
Oh Chelleh, I love you as much as all the stars that shine in your eyes.
Oh most desirable night of the year, you taste as sweet as the sunshine at dawn.
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