Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda)
The longest night of the year, a Persian celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.
Yalda Night is celebrated on the eve of the winter solstice, the last night of the Iranian month of Azar before 1 Dey, which usually falls on the night of December 20 or 21.
When Is Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda)?
Yalda Night is celebrated on the eve of the winter solstice, the last night of the Iranian month of Azar before 1 Dey, which usually falls on the night of December 20 or 21.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Yalda ('birth') is the ancient Persian winter solstice celebration, shared across Iranian cultures. A popular modern view links it to the birth of Mithra, though this link is debated by scholars. Families gather all night to ensure the lonely sun is not abandoned. From this night, light grows stronger.
How It Is Observed
Families stay awake all night together, reading Hafez's poetry (Fal-e Hafez for prophecy), eating pomegranates (red = the crimson hue of dawn), watermelon, nuts, dried fruits.
Sacred Text
“The dark night, the fear of the waves, the terrible whirlpool, how could those on shore, with their light burdens, know our state?”
, Hafez, Divan ↗