Chillia Kalaan Mubaarak

Chillia Kalaan Mubaarak!

Chillia Kalaan Mubaarak!
Tonight, the longest night
drapes the land in winter’s
hush of frost and fire.
Chillia Kalaan –
the gathering of weary souls,
drawn together by the warmth
of shared breath and
the flicker of firelight.
Let us greet this night
not with silence,
but with songs
that rise like incense, dissolving
the weight of a year’s shadows.

As dawn peeks over
snow-laden branches, 
let us awaken
to the scent of Hareesa
simmering on the hearth,
its steam curling
like whispered prayers, 
ascending
into morning’s first light.
Around the table,
let love bloom
in the company of
family and friends –
hands outstretched,
hearts full,
the cold held at bay
by joy’s quiet flame.

The old ones say
that on this night,
mercy walks in white robes,
her footsteps weaving snow
into the land’s weary seams.
Snow falls gently
from God’s hidden hand –
a veil of blessings
for the year to come.
Each flake a seed of promise,
layering our glaciers,
feeding the rivers
that weave life
into our fields,
our orchards,
our hearts.

So let us ignite the sky
with divine gratitude’s flame.
Let our prayers rise
high enough to melt
the frost from our spirits,
burning away the shadows
that cling within.
Let us cast off the burdens
of sorrow and dance
in winter’s purity, knowing
that to celebrate is
to drive away
the lurking demons
of doubt and despair.

Tonight, let joy drive 
darkness back,
and in this longest night,
may we cradle the seeds
of a bright new year.

MyKoul