Yalda Night Traditions Around the World!

Yalda Night, the longest night of the year, is a celebration rooted in Iranian culture, traditionally marked by gathering with family, enjoying special foods, and reciting poetry. While this night is uniquely celebrated in Iran, some other countries also observe the last night of autumn in their own ways. These celebrations come with unique traditions that may seem unusual or fascinating to outsiders. Here’s a look at some of these interesting and diverse customs.

Pakistan
Pakistan, which shares deep cultural ties with ancient Iran, celebrates Yalda with its own unique rituals. One tradition involves a standing bath while holding a piece of bread, starting in the morning and continuing until sunset. Afterward, people conclude the night with a long bath, lighting fires, dancing, and festivities. A popular dish served on this night is goat tripe stew.

Scandinavian Countries
In countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the beginning of winter is celebrated with the Lucia festival. Young women dress in white robes and wear crowns of greenery with tall white candles. These candles symbolize light in the darkness of winter, bringing hope and brightness to long, cold nights.

South America and Spain
In South American countries such as Ecuador and Bolivia, Yalda is observed with ceremonies rooted in ancient beliefs about the natural cycle. People make noise and play drums while climbing hills, and in a symbolic ritual, they tie ropes around the sun’s “hands and feet” to try to stop it from setting. This reflects people’s concern over the shortening of days and the lengthening of nights as winter begins.

Historically, a similar ritual was observed in Spain, where people would gather on highlands like Machu Picchu. These ceremonies highlighted the importance of light and warmth in the lives of local communities.

Russia
In Russia, a Yalda-related custom involves celebrating the last day of autumn by decorating streets and neighborhoods. People gather to enjoy a variety of foods, including pastries, local sweets, and traditional dishes such as bread, cheese, and honey. Prayers and spiritual rituals are also part of the night, creating a warm and meaningful atmosphere.

East Asian Countries
In East Asia, the last night of autumn, known as Dongzhi, is celebrated with traditional festivals. In South Korea, it involves sprinkling sacred water around the home and eating traditional foods like red beans and white rice. In the Philippines and Vietnam, similar ceremonies feature dishes such as rice dumplings. These celebrations strengthen family bonds and prepare households for a prosperous winter.

Japan
A unique Yalda-related custom in Japan is the Yuzu Bath. Japanese people believe that bathing in water infused with citrus fruits like yuzu or oranges helps remove negative energies and prevent colds in winter. Traditionally, this involved full immersion in citrus water, but today the practice continues more modernly by placing a few fruits in a warm bath.