Yalda: The Longest Night Full of Light

Let’s pretend you have no idea what Yalda is 😁

In short:
Yalda (یلدا), also called Shab-e Cheleh (شبِ چِله), marks the longest night of the year, coinciding with the winter solstice. On the Iranian calendar, it falls on the last night of Azar (the ninth month) and the dawn of Dey (the tenth month).

The word "Yalda" comes from the Syriac word ܝܠܕܐ, meaning "birth." Scholars like Abu Rayhan Biruni referred to this celebration as "The Great Birth," interpreting it as the rebirth of the sun (+).

It’s no wonder Yalda symbolizes bringing light into the world!

Pronunciation tip:

Ofcourse Yalda is written with two 'a's but they are pronounced differently in Persian (Farsi). How? 

The first a, is pronounced as 'a' in 'dad', and the second one as 'a' in 'bar'. that's it!

 

Now, let's go back to business. 

 

How Old is Yalda?

The tradition of celebrating Yalda dates back to 502 BC, during the reign of Darius I. The festival emphasizes the triumph of light over darkness, endurance through life’s challenges, and the renewal of the soul. Based on historical records, the celebration of Yalda became a part of the official Iranian calendar during the reign of Darius I (522–486 BCE).

So let's calculate the Difference from the Current Year:

$$2024\text{ (current year)}-(-502\text{ BCE})=2024+502=2526\text{ years}$$

$$\text{(I might be completely wrong but it was fun)}$$

No Holiday Without Food, Right?

Here’s the menu of a classic Yalda feast:

• Pomegranates, perssimon, and Watermelon: اَنار و هندوانهRepresenting life, rebirth, and health. Basically, warm colors have central roles.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: آجیل و میوه‌خشک Symbols of abundance and the preservation of blessings.

and,

Persian food.😛

Poetry, Anyone?

A Persian holiday without poetry? Impossible! Two key traditions make Yalda extra special:

1. Fal-e Hafez:
   Families open Hafez’s Divan to a random page, believing it offers guidance and insight. I still cherish memories of my Baba Bozorg (grandfather) doing this for us, his voice filled with wisdom and warmth.

2. Shahnameh Khani:
   Reciting epic tales from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh is another cherished tradition, connecting generations to the grandeur of Iran’s literary heritage.

 

Why Yalda Matters

For me, Yalda is more than just a celebration; it’s a reflection of life’s rhythms. Its key elements—family gatherings, warmth, acceptance of darkness, and hope for the light—mirror our journey through life.

• Family Connection: Sitting together, laughing, and sharing stories.
• Warmth: Found in red decorations, a korsi (a traditional heater-table), and nutritious foods.
• Acceptance of Darkness: Understanding that every phase of life, even the challenging ones, leads to growth.
• Poetry and Reflection: Surrounding ourselves with beauty, wisdom, and creativity to endure winter’s cold embrace.

Yalda’s Romantic Spirit

Among Iranian holidays rooted in nature’s rhythms, Yalda stands out as deeply romantic and nostalgic. It’s about cherishing the bonds that sustain us and embracing the light within.

How to Congratulate Someone on Yalda Night

Persian greetings are heartfelt and poetic—especially on special occasions like Yalda Night! Here’s how to send your wishes in Persian:

• Simple & Classic:
  Yaldā mobārak!
  (Happy Yalda!)
• Romantic Wishes:
  Yaldāt mobārak, jān-am!
  (Happy Yalda, my dear!) — Replace jān-am with any nickname you love!
• For Parents or Formal Greetings:
  Yaldātoon mobārak!
  (Happy Yalda to you! Formal and respectful—you can also use this for “you plural” when addressing a group.)

Feel free to get creative and sprinkle in love and warmth, whether it’s for a friend, partner, or family member. If you have any questions, just let me know—I’d be happy to help you craft your perfect Yalda greeting!

👉 Download your free Yalda E-Card!

 Here are a sneak peeks of them:

Here

Here (reletaed to my song Hamchelle) - It says: You are my Hamchelle 💖

And Here

 

A Special Surprise: My Yalda Song

I’ve created a song inspired by Yalda, blending light and shadow, day and night, and the deep connection between dualities. It reflects the harmony of opposites—masculine and feminine energies, sun and moon, darkness and light.

The song will be released before Yalda, bringing warmth and joy to your celebration. Stay tuned!

 

A Final Thought

Yalda isn’t just about enduring the longest night; it’s about finding resilience and beauty in shared moments. It’s about love, hope, and the enduring promise of light after darkness.

I hope my song adds a touch of Yalda magic to your life, just as this holiday does for me.

 

With love,

پاینده باد ایران

شیرین-Shirin