| Description |
“Yaldā/Chella” is an ancient celebration whereby the brilliance of the sun along with the warmth of life are cherished.
This event coincides with an increase in day-length in the region
The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere corresponds to Dey 1st (December 22nd) in the Iranian calendar and Ghovs 30th (December 21st) in the Afghans calender .
On the occasion of the last night of autumn, families get together. This family reunion often takes place at the houses of elders where people meet around a table called “Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah”.
“Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah” consists of a lamp that symbolizes light, water that represents cleanliness, red fruits such as pomegranates, watermelons, beetroots, jujube and red and green grapes that demonstrate warmth along with serving broth (Ash), sweets, dried fruits and nuts special to this occasion, all set on “Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah” and consumed during the nightly gathering. The Sofrah usually comes in red and is traditionally spread on the floor or on Korsi/chairs. The red color used in various components of the Sofrah refer to the reddish sky after the dusk and before the dawn. This feature showcases the relationship between this celebration with the ancient rituals of a Mithraism, i.e. worshiping the goddess of the sun.
In Afghanistan, people believe that the devil invades houses at this night and they set fire at their houses to prevent entrance of evil and ugliness (embodied as the devil) to their houses.
The type of activities in this celebration ranges from reciting poems, storytelling, reciting Hafiz's poems or referring to them for pleasane omens, reciting verses from the epic poetic masterpiece of Shahnameh, listening to or playing music, singing and giving gifts to new in-laws/brides and children, indoor games and enjoying “Yaldā/Chella Night Sofrah” goodies and items.
Women play a key role in this ceremony. Children are also considered as the future bearers/practitioners of the element. The elders are valued as its bearers.
While observing “Yaldā/Chella” items such as cultural identity, attention to nature, and respect for women, friendship, hospitality, cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence are manifested and respected.
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| Social and cultural significance |
“Yaldā/Chella” is regarded as one of the deeply-rooted and festive rituals amongst its bearers and practitioners both in Iran and Afghanistan, which depict many concepts, historical backgrounds and resources in view of its bearers and practitioners, most noticeable of which could be the following:
- Due to its nature-based characteristics, human creativity has been formed and diversified through centuries among generations.
- Respecting the diversity of expressions among communities, groups and individuals within its territory.
- Dominance of light over darkness symbolized by the rising of Sun on the day following Yaldā/Chella, to defeat the devil (darkness).
- Yaldā/Chella further reshapes mindset of local communities/groups and individuals in appreciating the beauty (positive aspect: Sun, light and warmth) hidden in a seemingly unpleasant condition (negative aspect: coldness of winter and darkness).
- Promoting a culture of peace, friendship, kindness and tolerance, fulfillment of promises and commitments are all celebrated in “Yaldā/Chella” celebration.
- Solidarity in public participation in this celebration irrespective of gender, age, religion and ethinic differences.
- Promoting a culture of reading literatrary works and storytelling as well as listening to traditional music among the youth as executed by the elders.
- Paying more attention to shared rituals as ICH elements of the region, such as “Nowrouz” and Yaldā/Chella would result in the establishment of mutual respect and peace amongst different ethnic groups, communities and individuals in the region.
- Paying attention to the spirit of the element, which enjoys abundance, light and warmth of life leads to more hope and increasing life expectancy amongst the bearers and practitioners. |
| Transmission method |
So far, this intangible cultural element has transmitted itself both in Afghanistan and Iran through this event as non-formal transmission from one generation to the next. Given the advancement in modern communication and technology, the transmission opportunities for “Yaldā/Chella” presumably have become more available, and inclusive.
Radio and television programs at different levels have been one of the most influential factors in transmitting the element over the last fifty years in Iran and over recent years in Afghanistan.
Trainings that are aimed at awareness-raising about “Yaldā/Chella” are provided to individuals at different levels of education from kindergarten to university levels. Accordingly, the element is of long lasting effects.
Newspapers, journals, publications on rituals and ceremonies of “Yaldā/Chella”, educational materials published in virtual multimedia and social networks, as well as other similar sources literature play an effective role in the proper dissemination of this element.
Technical events, conferences, trainings or workshops, public awareness-raising and similar activities carried out by research centers as well as educational and cultural institutes are among other measures that have a significant impact on the proper transmission of the element to future generations.
Likewise would be true about any initiatives or measures organized and performed by NGOs, cultural organizations, artistic and dramatic activities, public performances, visual arts or plays, cinematic films since they play a crucial role in the transmission process.
The quality and nature of its transmission will be promoted through organizing pre-Yaldā/Chella programs in public places, neighborhoods and localities like market places by bearers and practitioners. In this way, the element is indirectly transmitted to the next generations.
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| Community |
All people from Iran and Afghanistan celebrate this ritual festivity. However, those Iranians and Afghans who, due to a variety of reasons have to live far away from their homelands, also uphold “Yaldā/Chella” based on their homeland calendars, exactly as it is practiced by their own family members and indigenous individuals back home. |
| Type of UNESCO List |
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List |
2022 |
