The Afghan community in Kronoberg celebrates the Yalda night and Christmas in Växjö

Växjö

Coinciding with the Christmas celebrations, the Afghan community in Kronoberg celebrated on Wednesday evening, December 21, Yalda night , and Christmas at Vattentorget in Växjö. The Yalda festival is an ancient tradition that dates back to 4000 years ago, it is a celebration of the arrival of winter, the renewal of the sun and the victory of light over darkness. people in Afghans and Iranians celebrate Yalda on 21st of December, the winter solstice.

-This celebrationof Yalda is an annual tradition held in Afghanistan and in Iran and other countries.More recently, this has been linked to Celebrating Christmas, so that we celebrate the two occasions together. Yalda night is a celebration in which we bid farewell to autumn and welcome winter. On this night, we gather with the elders in the family and stay awake all night. We celebrate with the family by eating good food and fruits, and it is important to offer nuts, dried pomegranates and watermelon As invocations to God to increase blessings. In addition to reading aloud the classic poetry of Hafez and the ancient legends of the Ferdousis Shahnameh.Those who start the winter by eating the summer fruit believe that they will not get sick during the cold season. Therefore, eating watermelon is considered a neglected ritual. Above a basket of fruit to remind of the cycle of life - the birth and revival of generations.The dark red outer skin of the pomegranate symbolizes birth or dawn, and its bright red seeds glow with life. Says Hussein Najafi, the organizer of the event.

The celebration lasted for five hours. During the ceremony, many activities were presented, such as music, dance, poetry reading, and children's competitions. In addition to that, eat food and fruits.