The Persianate world, including Afghanistan, celebrates the winter solstice as an ancient recognition of the victory of light over darkness. In Afghanistan, this night is called Shab-e-Chelleh (or Shab-e-Yalda). In the old days, people stayed up the whole night talking and eating and keeping ‘vigil’ until the light returned. These days, most people go to bed! But they still have a party in the evening, eating the traditional foods of pomegranate and watermelon and sweets.
Nik Mohammad went to the bazaar that afternoon and bought a huge bag of pomegranates for the Garden of Flowers. Once every child had his or her pomegranate, the peeling began – requiring much concentration and hard work for little fingers! But the reward was great, nibbling on each sweet/sour seed while chatting with friends and teachers.
The day was a reminder to us all that the earth and sun will continue their dance, no matter what we do here on the surface in our small places. The children will continue to grow and learn, no matter what is going on around them. And light will triumph! Happy Solstice to all!
