What serves at Yalda Night:
The significance of Yalda diminished over the centuries. Today, Night of Chelle or Yalda is merely a social occasion. When family and friends get together for fun and merriment. Also eating, drinking tea, and reciting poetry. Dried fruits, nuts, seeds and fresh winter fruits served. The presence of dried and fresh fruits in mid-winter is reminiscence. That is an ancient agricultural concern about the crops of different seasons. Pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant.
During Yalda Night:
On this night, the oldest member of the family says prayers. Thanking God for previous year’s blessings and prays for prosperity in the coming year. Then the melon is cut and share between everyone. The cutting symbolize the removal of sickness and pain from the family. People had to gather in the safety of groups of friends and relatives. Share the last remaining fruits from the summer. Also find ways to pass the long night together in good company.