An Iranian friend introduced me to a holiday in Iran known as Shab-e Yalda.
In most ancient cultures, including Iran, the start of the solar year has been marked to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and the renewal of the Sun.
The last day of the Iranian month of "Āzar" (November-December) is the longest night of the year, when the forces of Ahriman (darkness) are assumed to be at their peak.
While the next day, the first day of the month of "Dey" known as "Khorram rūz" or "Khur rūz" (the day of
the sun) belongs to the creator, Ahura Mazda (the Lord of Wisdom).
Since the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of the sun over darkness, and goodness over evil. The occasion was
celebrated in the festival of "Deygān" dedicated to Ahura Mazda, on the first day of the month of "Dey" (December-January)
So, I'm thinking about this...and it occurs to me that this is OUR holiday too. How could we NOT celebrate the Longest Night of the Year?
So, if possible, Flashaholics should gather on Shab-e Yalda, and party the night away. (Dec 21 IIRC)
Whatcha Think?
:rock:
In most ancient cultures, including Iran, the start of the solar year has been marked to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and the renewal of the Sun.
The last day of the Iranian month of "Āzar" (November-December) is the longest night of the year, when the forces of Ahriman (darkness) are assumed to be at their peak.
While the next day, the first day of the month of "Dey" known as "Khorram rūz" or "Khur rūz" (the day of
the sun) belongs to the creator, Ahura Mazda (the Lord of Wisdom).
Since the days are getting longer and the nights shorter, this day marks the victory of the sun over darkness, and goodness over evil. The occasion was
celebrated in the festival of "Deygān" dedicated to Ahura Mazda, on the first day of the month of "Dey" (December-January)
So, I'm thinking about this...and it occurs to me that this is OUR holiday too. How could we NOT celebrate the Longest Night of the Year?
So, if possible, Flashaholics should gather on Shab-e Yalda, and party the night away. (Dec 21 IIRC)
Whatcha Think?
:rock:
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