Why it matters:
The enduring enthusiasm for Yalda Night highlights the resilience of one of Iran’s oldest cultural traditions. Despite the passage of centuries and rapid social change, Iranians continue to observe Yalda as a shared ritual, reinforcing collective memory and cultural identity. The tradition’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity further underscores its global cultural value and the continued commitment of people to preserving their historical roots rather than abandoning identity markers over time.
The big picture:
Yalda Night marks the winter solstice and the longest night of the year, a moment that has been observed in Iran for more than 3,000 years, dating back to ancient Persian civilizations. Rooted in pre-Islamic beliefs associated with the rebirth of light and the victory of brightness over darkness, the night has evolved into a social and family-centered celebration. Traditionally, families gather after sunset to stay awake together, share symbolic fruits such as watermelon and pomegranates, and read poetry from Hafez. In 2022, Yalda Night was jointly registered by Iran and Afghanistan on UNESCO’s heritage list, recognizing it as a living tradition that continues to be practiced across generations.
Go deeper:
Iranians to Celebrate Yalda Night, an Ancient Tradition of Light and Togetherness
Yalda, a common and enduring heritage of Persian language speaker
F.abedi - Mojtaba Darabi
