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Dear John,
As we gather to observe Yalda, the ancient Persian celebration of the winter solstice, we're reminded of the enduring power of Persian culture, the light, and hope in our lives. This night, the longest of the year, symbolizes the challenges we face and our collective resilience in overcoming them.
Yalda is rooted in ancient Iranian culture, commemorating the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of the Sun, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The name "Yalda," meaning "birth," refers to the goddess Mitra, or Mithra, symbolizing the sun's rebirth.
In these times, when the world feels divided, Yalda is a special occasion that brings different cultures influenced by Persian culture - Iranian, Tajik, Kurdish, Afghan, Azeri, Iranian-Americans, and more - together to celebrate. This is a moment to pause and reflect on our shared ancient heritage and the strength it gives us. We remember the stories, the food, the poetry, and the rich cultural traditions that shape us
So tonight, let's embrace the spirit of Yalda by reaching out with understanding and compassion. This is a celebration of the sun's rebirth and a call to rekindle the light within ourselves and our communities.
We’re grateful to have you in our community, John. We wish you a Yalda night filled with meaningful conversations, warmth, and the comfort of loved ones. May this celebration strengthen our hope for a future where empathy and peace prevail.
Warmly,
Sara Hawrami
Operations Manager, NIAC
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