A Name of Light and Tradition

ESL 100 

Yalda Eslami 

January 26, 2025 

A Name of Light and Tradition 

      In Iran, when I say my name is YALDA, everyone thinks that I was born on Yalda night! In fact, Iranians have a special night which is called Yalda night in Iranian calendar, and it is the longest night during the year. All families gather that night with each other, set a table of celebrations, which is called Korsi with an ornate Sofreh, symbolic items and traditional foods. Common items include warm soup, stew, ajil (nuts and dried fruit), poetry books or the Shahnameh, games, candles, and fresh fruits like watermelon and pomegranates. These fruits provide immunity during the winter.  

    The interesting thing is that I was not born on Yalda night, on December 21, I was born about one month later, but my family honestly loves the meaning of Yalda itself! Yalda means "rebirth" /of the sun/ and refers to the triumph of light over darkness.   

        After I came to the United States and realized that Yalda is not a common name and not even easy to pronounce, I wish I had another name. However, I really love my name and the history behind it. What can be more interesting than to have your own special night in the

year, so everyone in your life can remember me on Yalda night! 😊