As the northern hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, plunging into the longest and darkest night of the year, millions of people around the world gather not to mourn the darkness, but to celebrate the imminent return of the light. This is Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night), an ancient Persian festival that marks the winter solstice.

Celebrated on the eve of the first day of winter—usually December 20th or 21st—Yalda is a night of family, poetry, and symbolic feasting that has survived for millennia, serving as a vibrant testament to the endurance of Iranian culture.

The Victory of Light Over Darkness

The word Yalda is of Syriac origin, meaning “birth.” In the ancient Zoroastrian tradition, this night symbolized the birth of Mithra, the goddess of light and truth. The ancient Persians believed that on this longest night, evil forces (Ahriman) were at their peak power. To ward off these dark spirits, people stayed awake all night, gathering in safety with loved ones to keep the fires burning.

The festival marks a cosmic turning point: the moment when the days begin to lengthen again. Therefore, Yalda is not just about surviving the dark; it is a celebration of the sun’s rebirth and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.

The Red Table: Symbols of Life

Central to the celebration is the Sofreh-ye Yalda, a spread of food that is as symbolic as it is delicious. The table is traditionally decorated with flowers, candles, and specific foods, particularly those with a red hue, representing the glow of life and the rising sun.

• Pomegranates: The crown jewel of Yalda. It symbolizes the cycle of life, fertility, and rebirth. It is believed that eating pomegranates on this night provides protection against illness in the coming year.
• Watermelon: Surprisingly, this summer fruit is a staple of the winter solstice. Preserved from the summer months, eating watermelon is said to immunize the body against the excessive heat of the coming summer and the cold of winter.
• Ajil (Nuts and Dried Fruit): A mixture of pistachios, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and dried figs or apricots. This provides the energy needed to stay awake through the long night and symbolizes prosperity.

Divination with Hafez

No Yalda celebration is complete without the presence of the beloved 14th-century poet, Hafez.

It is a deeply held tradition for families to perform a Fal-e Hafez (divination). An elder in the family opens the Divan of Hafez to a random page and reads the poem found there. The verses are interpreted as a fortune or guidance for the future, answering a question or wish silently held by the listener. It is a moment that bridges the gap between the past and present, connecting the modern generation with their literary heritage.

Yalda, A Night of Togetherness

While the ancient superstitions about evil spirits have faded, the core spirit of Yalda remains: togetherness.

In a world that often feels fractured or rushed, Yalda forces a pause. It is a mandatory appointment with family and friends to disconnect from the cold outside and reconnect with human warmth inside. Elders tell stories from the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), music is played, and the night is spent in conversation until the sun rises, signaling the arrival of the month of Dey and the official start of winter.

Shab-e Yalda is more than just a calendar event; it is a philosophy. It reminds us that even in the deepest darkness, light is waiting to return. It teaches that the best way to get through the cold and the dark is not to hide alone, but to gather together, share food, read poetry, and wait for the dawn.