TEHRAN — On Tuesday, a harvest festival dedicated to pomegranates opened to the public in Pakdasht, east of Tehran province.

According to organizers, the festival marks the Yalda night, the ancient Persian festivity for which pomegranate is an inseparable element.

Many Iranians believe the best fruit to eat on that longest and darkest night of the year is undoubtedly pomegranates, which in Persian culture are symbolic of fertility, rebirth and life.

Pomegranate is native to Iran and eastward up to north India. It is widely cultivated in most provinces of Iran, with different colors, sizes, and flavors. It is impressive to see the variety of pomegranates in the country. The ancient land is well-known for the quality of pomegranates and is the largest exporter of pomegranates in the world.

Ancient Iranians believed that the pomegranate was a sign of fertility due to its abundant seeds. It is a high pillar of festivities on Yalda Night. Narratives say the presence of pomegranates symbolizes blessings for a new life. The number of seeds scattered indicates how many children a young woman may give birth to!

By tradition, Zoroastrians offer pomegranates to their daughters and sons when they get married, wishing them fertility. Moreover, they used to burn pomegranate sticks during religious rites.

In addition, the pomegranate has long been one of the essential ingredients for Persian cuisine to bring a kind of balance, taste, and flavor.

AFM