Yalda Night: Ancient Celebration of Sun’s Rebirth

While modern influences shape its celebration, the roots of "Cheleh" (or Yalda) remain deeply tied to Persian history and celestial beliefs. Yalda Night, known as "Shab-e Yalda" or "Shab-e Cheleh," stands as one of Iran's most cherished traditions.

In recent years, modern symbols like Christmas trees have gradually intertwined with the celebration. While reciting Hafez’s poetry was once a key part of the evening, additional customs now accompany the festivities.

Historians debate whether "Yalda" or "Cheleh" is the proper term. Derived from the Syriac word for "birth," Yalda was once associated with the birth of Christ, later connected to the Mithraic tradition. However, as noted by mythologist Mehrdad Bahar in From Myth to History, “Yalda is not the birth of Mithra, but the rebirth of the sun.”

Ancient Iranians celebrated the sun's triumph over darkness on the year's longest night, welcoming longer days ahead. According to Persian calendars, Cheleh marks the sun's rebirth.

The concept of Cheleh extended beyond this night. Historically, Iranians recognized two main periods: the summer and winter Cheleh. The winter cycle began on the first of Dey (December 22) and split into two: the "Big Cheleh" lasting 40 days until early February, and the "Small Cheleh" continuing to the month’s end.

Regional Traditions

Yalda Night holds significance across Persian-influenced regions. In Afghanistan, families gather for storytelling, poetry recitals, and festivities. Afghan poet Sayed Hakim Binesh highlights traditions like "Chillagi"—a custom where a groom’s family gifts presents to the bride, fostering bonds between families.

"Storytelling is central to the night," Binesh says. "Elders share tales, memories, and sometimes recite Shahnameh or Hafez’s poems to preserve culture and connect generations."

The Role of Hafez

In Iran and beyond, divination through Hafez's Divan remains a Yalda tradition. The late scholar Mohammad-Ali Eslami Nodoushan explained, “No other poet has the dual ability to resonate with both intellectuals and common people.”

Hafez’s layered, ambiguous poetry enables readers to extract personal meanings, which makes his Divan uniquely suited for fortune-telling. “It is as though he answers questions deeply rooted in our hearts,” Nodoushan said.

For centuries, Hafez has served as a symbolic "interpreter of Iran's dreams." His poetry captures the essence of Iran's history and struggles, providing comfort through lyrical mysticism on Yalda's long night.

Pomegranate holds deep significance in Shab-e Cheleh festivities as one of the central symbols of this ancient Persian celebration. Its vibrant red seeds represent life, fertility, and the cycle of renewal, mirroring the rebirth of the sun after the longest night of the year. Historically considered a sacred fruit in Persian culture, the pomegranate also symbolizes love, prosperity, and the enduring connection between generations. During Yalda Night gatherings, families share this fruit as a way to honor tradition, embrace hope for brighter days, and celebrate the beauty of nature’s gifts. Its presence on the Yalda table reflects the rich cultural heritage and symbolism embedded in Iranian customs.