TEHRAN, 22 December (BelTA - IRNA) - Iranians across the country
celebrated Yalda night, the longest night of the year, gathering in
homes and public spaces to observe one of the most enduring traditions
in Iranian culture, an occasion centered on family togetherness, hope
and the symbolic triumph of light over darkness.
Rooted in Iran’s ancient calendar and astronomical knowledge, Yalda marks the winter solstice, when nights reach their greatest length and days begin to grow longer. While it is, at its core, a natural phenomenon, Yalda has long carried deep cultural meaning.
For ancient Iranians, the gradual return of longer days signaled renewal, warmth, and the continuation of life, turning the solstice into a celebration of gratitude, endurance and optimism for the future.
oday, despite major social and economic changes, the tradition remains vibrant. Families gather around symbolic spreads featuring fruits such as pomegranates and watermelon, recite poetry, tell stories and share memories, transforming Yalda into a pause from the pressures of modern life and an opportunity to reinforce emotional bonds.
Family expert Gholamreza Abbasi told IRNA that Yalda “is not merely an astronomical phenomenon,” adding that it is “a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair and the rebirth of the sun.”
He noted that the word Yalda originates from Syriac, meaning birth, and said that in today’s world, its greatest importance lies in its social and emotional role as “a sacred excuse for being together.”
Abbasi stressed that intimate family gatherings on Yalda night have a tangible impact on mental well-being, offering space for conversation, affection and relief from daily stress.
Across Iran, the night is observed in diverse ways. In western border areas, Iranian border guards marked Yalda at the zero point of the Khosravi border with Iraq, holding a modest ceremony while remaining on duty to safeguard national security, a reminder that the comfort enjoyed by families elsewhere rests on constant vigilance.
In regions such as Sistan in southeastern Iran and Ilam in the west, Yalda—also known as Shab-e Chelleh—is celebrated with local customs, traditional foods, storytelling, Shahnameh recitations and divination from Hafez, preserving regional identities while reinforcing shared national values.
From family homes to border posts and care centers for the elderly, Yalda once again served as a unifying cultural thread, linking generations through a night dedicated to warmth, solidarity and enduring hope.
Rooted in Iran’s ancient calendar and astronomical knowledge, Yalda marks the winter solstice, when nights reach their greatest length and days begin to grow longer. While it is, at its core, a natural phenomenon, Yalda has long carried deep cultural meaning.
For ancient Iranians, the gradual return of longer days signaled renewal, warmth, and the continuation of life, turning the solstice into a celebration of gratitude, endurance and optimism for the future.
oday, despite major social and economic changes, the tradition remains vibrant. Families gather around symbolic spreads featuring fruits such as pomegranates and watermelon, recite poetry, tell stories and share memories, transforming Yalda into a pause from the pressures of modern life and an opportunity to reinforce emotional bonds.
Family expert Gholamreza Abbasi told IRNA that Yalda “is not merely an astronomical phenomenon,” adding that it is “a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair and the rebirth of the sun.”
He noted that the word Yalda originates from Syriac, meaning birth, and said that in today’s world, its greatest importance lies in its social and emotional role as “a sacred excuse for being together.”
Abbasi stressed that intimate family gatherings on Yalda night have a tangible impact on mental well-being, offering space for conversation, affection and relief from daily stress.
Across Iran, the night is observed in diverse ways. In western border areas, Iranian border guards marked Yalda at the zero point of the Khosravi border with Iraq, holding a modest ceremony while remaining on duty to safeguard national security, a reminder that the comfort enjoyed by families elsewhere rests on constant vigilance.
In regions such as Sistan in southeastern Iran and Ilam in the west, Yalda—also known as Shab-e Chelleh—is celebrated with local customs, traditional foods, storytelling, Shahnameh recitations and divination from Hafez, preserving regional identities while reinforcing shared national values.
From family homes to border posts and care centers for the elderly, Yalda once again served as a unifying cultural thread, linking generations through a night dedicated to warmth, solidarity and enduring hope.
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