# @shabnamnasimi on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDzejTSgW3L
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32261794-shabnamnasimi-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9679c32c31.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-20T14:57:06.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Shabnam Nasimi (@ShabnamNasimi) — https://gondola.cc/ShabnamNasimi

## Caption

DID YOU KNOW? 📜🍇🍒🍉🍎🔴

The origins of Shab-e Yalda go back thousands of years—some say as far as 5000 years ago in ancient Balkh. This ancient night, also called Shabe Chellah, was once connected to sacred Zoroastrian ceremonies in Balkh honouring Mitra, the deity of light and truth. It is of humanity’s most longest traditions, marking the longest night of the year—the winter solstice. 

This celebration symbolises the rebirth of the sun (Mehr) and the eternal triumph of light over darkness.

Balkh, the birthplace of Zoroastrianism, was the spiritual heart of ancient ‘Ariana’. Here, rituals dedicated to the sun and the cosmic balance of nature flourished. The festival’s association with Mitra, the deity of light, life, and truth, reflects a cultural legacy that predates written history. 

The word Yalda, meaning “birth” in Syriac, arrived during the Sassanid era, combining the celebration with the idea of the sun’s rebirth. Yet, it was in 502 BC, under Darius I, that Shab-e-Yalda was officially recorded into the Persian calendar. 

Over the centuries, Yalda was known by many names. Persian scholar Al-Biruni, well versed in physics, mathematics, astronomy, and natural sciences, referred to Yalda as “Milad Akbar” meaning birth of the sun. Al-Biruni mentions in the “The Masudic Canon” a version, preserved in the British Museum, where Yalda is recorded as “Khorra Rooz” (Day of Radiance) and “Khorram Rooz” (Day of Joy).

Shab-e-yalda is held on the final night of autumn. Families meet at the homes of elders and gather around a table decorated with various symbolic items and foods, such as water for cleanliness, a lamp for light, and red fruits like grapes, pomegranates, watermelons, beetroots, and jujube for warmth.

#ShabeYalda #PersianHistory #Balkh #Afghanistan #Iran #Tajikistan #ShabeChellah #AncientHistory #Albiruni #pomergranate #anar #lightoverdarkness

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 454
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Tags

lightoverdarkness, shabechellah, afghanistan, pomergranate, ancienthistory, albiruni, balkh, tajikistan, shabeyalda, persianhistory, iran, anar

---
Copyright (c) Gondola