The heart of Yalda lies in the Sofreh, a ceremonial spread or "altar" of symbolic foods and objects. The table is traditionally dominated by the color red, which represents the crimson glow of dawn and the spark of life. The two most essential fruits are pomegranates and watermelons; pomegranates signify the cycle of life and the glow of the sun, while watermelons are believed to protect the body from the heat of the coming summer and the chills of winter.5 Beside these fruits sits a bowl of Ajil—a mix of dried fruits and nuts—which guests snack on throughout the night as they share stories and laughter.
