Many of the rituals and traditions of the pagan festivals were incorporated into the Christmas celebration and are still observed today. With the conquest of Islam the religious significance of the ancient Persian festivals was lost. Different kinds of dried fruits, nuts, seeds and fresh winter fruits are consumed. The presence of dried and fresh fruits is reminiscence of the ancient feasts to celebrate and pray to the deities to ensure the protection of the winter crops. Their celebration of Illanout is very similar to Shab e Cheleh celebration.
Special meals are prepared and prayers are performed.
Sweet breads are baked in shape of humans and animals. Comparison and detailed studies of all these celebrations no doubt will shed more light on the forgotten aspects of this wonderful and ancient festival, where merriment was the main theme of the festival. Happy Shab e Cheleh.