Iranians prepare to celebrate winter solstice (PHOTOS)

Traditionally, on this night families huddle together in the houses of the elders to listen to tales, old and new.

In keeping with an age-old tradition, Iranian families get together on the longest night of the year to celebrate the winter solstice known locally as Yalda.

Traditionally, on such a night families would huddle together in the houses of the elders to listen to tales, old and new.

Mohammad Beheshti, the director of the Cultural Heritage Research Center, says Yalda marks the birth anniversary of Jesus. “In fact, Yalda and Christmas are the same; the reason why there are a few days apart are the differences in the Iranian and Christian calendars.”

The following images of preparations for Yalda in Iran have been released by different news agencies.

Fatemeh Askarieh

Fatemeh Askarieh is an Iranian journalist working on a range of fields including culture, art, lifestyle, cultural heritage, and tourism. She has been working with the Iran Front Page (IFP) Media Group for 10 years, and is currently the head of the Art and Lifestyle Department.

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