CHRISTMAS WITH A PERSIAN TWIST

For their first-ever Canadian Christmas, the Farrokhrouz family are adding a little extra something.

On Dec. 21, four days before Christmas, Saffron Restaurant is hosting Yalda Night, a celebration of the winter solstice. In the old country, Iranians gather to feast on snacks like watermelon and pomegranates, read poetry and mark the rebirth of the sun after the year’s longest night.

“I want to show people in Truro our culture and Yalda is one of the biggest festivals in Iran,” said Mehran.

“I believe when you show your culture, the civilizations of Persia and Canada can be closer to each other. They can understand each other more and more and for sure the relationship between these two great countries can be better in future.”

Yalda Night dates back thousands of years to the old Persian Empire and has its roots in Iran’s ancient Zoroastrian faith.

Zoroastrians in ancient times saw the longest night as a time when evil spirits were at their strongest. To ward off bad luck, people stayed awake, gathering in groups.

Yalda is somewhat similar to the Yule nights celebrated in pre-christian Europe.

The modern festival is celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, parts of Central Asia, Azerbaijan and by Kurds in Iraq and Turkey.

In Canada and other western countries, many churches hold “Blue Christmas” or “longest night” ceremonies on the winter solstice. It is a chance for people to honour lost loved ones just before Christmas and such ceremonies often include candle-lighting.

“It is so important to be together with people,” said Mehran.

There are still a few tickets for Saffron Restaurant’s Yalda celebration. The cost is $38 for a full course meal, including a vegetarian option.

To order tickets, people can call or text 902-896-1503, or can send a message to the Saffron Restaurant Facebook page.

Yalda night at Saffron runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Saffron Restaurant is located at 127 Arthur Street in Truro.