Yalda Night 2025: The Ancient Persian Winter Solstice Celebration That May Have Inspired Christmas
December 2025
By: Nazila Fathi
Every year on December 21, millions across Iran and Central Asia gather for Yalda Night (also spelled Shab-e Yalda or Chelleh Night), an ancient celebration of the winter solstice that predates Islam, Christianity, and even Zoroastrianism. This Persian tradition marks the longest night of the year with feasting, poetry, and pomegranates—and it may hold surprising connections to modern Christmas celebrations.
In this article:
What is Yalda Night and when is it celebrated?
The ancient origins of Yalda and the worship of Mithra
The connection between Yalda and Christmas traditions
How Iranians celebrate Yalda today
Traditional Yalda foods and their meanings
What Is Yalda Night? Understanding the Persian Winter Solstice Festival
Yalda Night (Persian: شب یلدا) marks the winter solstice—the last night of autumn and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrated on December 20 or 21 (depending on the astronomical calendar), this ancient Persian festival has been observed for over 7,000 years.
The Meaning Behind Yalda
The word “Yalda” means “birth” in Syriac and refers to the birth of Mithra, the ancient Persian Sun God who symbolized light, goodness, and strength. In pre-Zoroastrian Persia, Mithra was central to a cosmic struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, making him one of the most important deities in ancient Persian religion and Mithraism.
After Yalda, light triumphs as the days grow longer. Iranians celebrate this longest night as the renewal of the sun and the victory of light over darkness—a theme that resonates across many winter solstice traditions worldwide.
The Historical Evolution of Yalda
Beginning with Darius the Great (522–486 BCE), the Persian kings of the Achaemenid dynasty adopted Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s first monotheistic religions. However, Darius and his successors wisely chose not to eradicate the old beliefs still cherished by many nobles. Ancient traditions and celebrations, including the December 21 observance of Mithra’s birth, were incorporated into Zoroastrian practice.
Today, though the majority of Iran’s population is Muslim, Iranians still celebrate this ancient tradition. Yalda Night is an evening of feasting, storytelling, and celebration that lasts until the early morning hours.
Beyond Iran, Yalda is observed in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—a testament to the survival of an ancient tradition that has endured for millennia.
From Persia to Rome: The Spread of Mithraism
While the Greeks did not worship Mithra (he was the god of their Persian enemies), from the 1st century CE onward, hundreds of dedicatory inscriptions to Mithra appeared throughout the Roman world. Mithraism became particularly popular among Roman soldiers and nobles, and for some Romans, the celebration of Mithra’s birth became one of the most sacred days of the year.
This widespread Roman devotion to Mithra would eventually intersect with the rise of Christianity in ways that still influence how we celebrate today.
Is Yalda the Origin of Christmas? Exploring the Historical Connection
The relationship between Yalda Night and Christmas has fascinated historians for centuries. While definitive proof remains elusive, compelling historical evidence suggests Persian winter solstice celebrations influenced early Christian traditions.
The Timeline of Winter Celebrations
Ancient Persia (pre-522 BCE): Celebration of Mithra’s birth on winter solstice
1st-4th century CE: Mithraism spreads throughout Roman Empire
Before 4th century: Early Christians celebrate Jesus’s birth on January 6
4th century CE: Western Church establishes December 25 as Christmas date
Today: Both traditions continue worldwide
The historical record shows that early Christians did not celebrate Jesus’s birth on December 25. The Eastern Christian Churches initially commemorated the Nativity on January 6. However, as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire—where Mithraism was a significant rival religion—church leaders faced a population deeply attached to winter solstice celebrations.
By the 4th century CE, the Western Church had established December 25 as the date for Christmas. Some historians believe this was a strategic decision: by holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be embraced by converts while acknowledging they couldn’t dictate how it was celebrated.
Anthropologist James George Frazer, author of The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, wrote: “Thus it appears that the Christian Church chose to celebrate the birthday of its Founder on the twenty-fifth of December in order to transfer the devotion of the heathen from the Sun to him who was called the Sun of Righteousness.”
The Christmas Tree Connection
Long before Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning during winter months across many cultures.
In ancient Persia, Yalda festivities were symbolized by an evergreen tree. Young girls would wrap their wishes in silk cloth and hang them on the tree, and eventually, it became customary to place gifts beneath it.
In 16th-century Germany, devout Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes. German settlers brought this tradition to Pennsylvania in the 1830s, though Christmas trees were initially viewed with suspicion by most Americans as pagan symbols.
That changed in 1846 when the Illustrated London News published a sketch of the popular Queen Victoria and her German consort, Prince Albert, standing with their children around a Christmas tree. What was fashionable at the British court quickly became fashionable throughout Britain and among American society.
The Christmas tree had arrived.
How Iranians Celebrate Yalda Night Today
Yalda remains one of the most important celebrations in Iran. In 2001, The New York Times published a story I wrote about the significance of these celebrations, and the traditions remain vibrant today.
On the evening of December 21, families of all faiths gather at an elder’s house to celebrate the lengthening days and prepare for winter.
Ancient Persians valued daytime as a period for work and productivity, while evening required lighting fires to ward off darkness and evil spirits. Dawn represented the victory of good over evil—an opportunity for meaningful work that deserved celebration.
Traditional Yalda Foods and Their Symbolism
Understanding what to eat on Yalda Night reveals the deep symbolism embedded in this ancient celebration.
Essential Yalda Night Foods:
Watermelon: Believed to protect against winter illness and symbolize summer warmth
Pomegranates: Red seeds represent fertility, rebirth, eternal life, and the cycle of seasons
Mixed nuts: Including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts for health and prosperity
Dried fruits: Figs, mulberries, raisins, and apricots preserved from summer harvest
Sweets: Ajil (nut and seed mixture), honey, and traditional Persian pastries
Modern Iranian families often prepare elaborate spreads called “sofreh,” featuring these traditional foods arranged on decorative cloths. The red color of watermelon and pomegranate is particularly significant, symbolizing the crimson hues of dawn and new life.
In the weeks before Yalda, shops across Iran display signs advertising watermelons preserved in industrial refrigerators. Iranian state television broadcasts programs about the Yalda feast, often showing presenters reading poetry while seated behind tables laden with flowers, pomegranates, nuts, and sliced watermelon.
Poetry and Yalda Night
Because December 21 is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize separation from loved ones, loneliness, and waiting in Persian poetry. The 13th-century Persian poet Saadi Shirazi captured these themes in verses that continue to be read on Yalda Night, often from the works of Hafez, whose poetry collection (the Divan) is traditionally opened at random to divine the coming year.
“The sight of you each morning is a New Year
Any night of your departure is the eve of Yalda.”
“With all my pains, there is still the hope of recovery
Like the eve of Yalda, there will finally be an end.”
The Enduring Legacy of Yalda Night in 2025
Yalda Night represents something remarkable: a celebration that has survived empires, religious transformations, and millennia of change. From ancient Persian fire temples to modern Iranian living rooms, from Roman legions worshipping Mithra to Christmas trees in contemporary homes, the winter solstice continues to inspire humanity to gather, feast, and celebrate the return of light.
Why Yalda Matters Today
In our modern world, Yalda Night offers more than historical curiosity. It represents:
Cultural continuity: A living link to ancient civilization
Family bonds: Bringing generations together for storytelling and celebration
Universal themes: The triumph of light over darkness resonates across all cultures
Culinary traditions: Preserving ancient foodways and seasonal eating
Literary heritage: Keeping classical Persian poetry alive for new generations
Frequently Asked Questions About Yalda Night
Q: When is Yalda Night 2025? Yalda Night falls on December 21, 2025, coinciding with the astronomical winter solstice.
Q: Is Yalda Night religious? While rooted in ancient religious practices, modern Yalda is a cultural celebration observed by Iranians of all faiths, including Muslims, Zoroastrians, Christians, and secular individuals.
Q: What’s the difference between Yalda and Christmas? While both fall near the winter solstice and may share historical connections, Yalda is specifically a Persian cultural celebration focused on family gatherings, poetry, and traditional foods, while Christmas is a Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Q: Can non-Iranians celebrate Yalda? Yes! Yalda Night, like many cultural celebrations, can be appreciated and celebrated by anyone interested in Persian culture, winter solstice traditions, or simply gathering with loved ones during the darkest time of year.
As we approach the winter solstice each year, Yalda reminds us that our modern traditions often have ancient roots—and that the human need to find hope in darkness transcends time, culture, and religion.
How Iranians Celebrate Yalda Night Today
Yalda remains one of the most important celebrations in Iran. In 2001, The New York Times published a story I wrote about the significance of these celebrations, and the traditions remain vibrant today.
On the evening of December 21, families of all faiths gather at an elder’s house to celebrate the lengthening days and prepare for winter.
Ancient Persians valued daytime as a period for work and productivity, while evening required lighting fires to ward off darkness and evil spirits. Dawn represented the victory of good over evil—an opportunity for meaningful work that deserved celebration.
Traditional Yalda Foods and Their Symbolism
Understanding what to eat on Yalda Night reveals the deep symbolism embedded in this ancient celebration.
Essential Yalda Night Foods:
Watermelon: Believed to protect against winter illness and symbolize summer warmth
Pomegranates: Red seeds represent fertility, rebirth, eternal life, and the cycle of seasons
Mixed nuts: Including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts for health and prosperity
Dried fruits: Figs, mulberries, raisins, and apricots preserved from summer harvest
Sweets: Ajil (nut and seed mixture), honey, and traditional Persian pastries
Modern Iranian families often prepare elaborate spreads called “sofreh,” featuring these traditional foods arranged on decorative cloths. The red color of watermelon and pomegranate is particularly significant, symbolizing the crimson hues of dawn and new life.
In the weeks before Yalda, shops across Iran display signs advertising watermelons preserved in industrial refrigerators. Iranian state television broadcasts programs about the Yalda feast, often showing presenters reading poetry while seated behind tables laden with flowers, pomegranates, nuts, and sliced watermelon.
Poetry and Yalda Night
Because December 21 is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize separation from loved ones, loneliness, and waiting in Persian poetry. The 13th-century Persian poet Saadi Shirazi captured these themes in verses that continue to be read on Yalda Night, often from the works of Hafez, whose poetry collection (the Divan) is traditionally opened at random to divine the coming year.
“The sight of you each morning is a New Year
Any night of your departure is the eve of Yalda.”
“With all my pains, there is still the hope of recovery
Like the eve of Yalda, there will finally be an end.”
The Enduring Legacy of Yalda Night in 2025
Yalda Night represents something remarkable: a celebration that has survived empires, religious transformations, and millennia of change. From ancient Persian fire temples to modern Iranian living rooms, from Roman legions worshipping Mithra to Christmas trees in contemporary homes, the winter solstice continues to inspire humanity to gather, feast, and celebrate the return of light.
Why Yalda Matters Today
In our modern world, Yalda Night offers more than historical curiosity. It represents:
Cultural continuity: A living link to ancient civilization
Family bonds: Bringing generations together for storytelling and celebration
Universal themes: The triumph of light over darkness resonates across all cultures
Culinary traditions: Preserving ancient foodways and seasonal eating
Literary heritage: Keeping classical Persian poetry alive for new generations
Frequently Asked Questions About Yalda Night
Q: When is Yalda Night 2025? Yalda Night falls on December 21, 2025, coinciding with the astronomical winter solstice.
Q: Is Yalda Night religious? While rooted in ancient religious practices, modern Yalda is a cultural celebration observed by Iranians of all faiths, including Muslims, Zoroastrians, Christians, and secular individuals.
Q: What’s the difference between Yalda and Christmas? While both fall near the winter solstice and may share historical connections, Yalda is specifically a Persian cultural celebration focused on family gatherings, poetry, and traditional foods, while Christmas is a Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Q: Can non-Iranians celebrate Yalda? Yes! Yalda Night, like many cultural celebrations, can be appreciated and celebrated by anyone interested in Persian culture, winter solstice traditions, or simply gathering with loved ones during the darkest time of year.
As we approach the winter solstice each year, Yalda reminds us that our modern traditions often have ancient roots—and that the human need to find hope in darkness transcends time, culture, and religion.
7 Women from Ancient Persia and Iran you need to know
Jan. 2023– Iran is a country with a rich history and culture. While it may be best known in the Western world for its recent political turmoil, there have been many influential women throughout Iran’s long history.
As a parent, it’s important to teach your children about the contributions of women throughout history. And what better place to start than with some of the most prominent women in Persian history? From queens and warriors to poets and activists, these inspiring women helped shape the course of their country’s story.
So, read on to learn more about powerful women from Persia’s past.
Atoosa
Atoosa was no ordinary woman – she was the daughter of Cyrus the Great, a strong and independent ruler in her own right. As if that wasn’t enough for one lifetime, Atoosa also managed to be queen three times over. She had an astute business acumen and founded her brining stability to the empire her father founded.
When she found an uncomfortable growth on her breast, it was the advanced Greek medical “science” that Atoosa relied upon for treatment–highlighting her wisdom and intelligence.
Atoosa is featured in the children’s book My Name is Cyrus.
In ancient times, marriage was a means of securing alliances and consolidating power. As a daughter of Cyrus, Atoosa was greatly sought after as a wife. To preserve the dynasty their father had established, Atoosa married her two brothers, Cambyses II and Bardia. Marriage between close relatives, even sisters and brothers, were practiced in those days. Atoosa married Darius I (the Great, 522-486 BCE) after both her brothers were killed.
Her son with Darius, Xerxes I succeeded Darius.
After Darius died, Atoosa was in a challenging position because Darius had other children from other wives. Polygamy was a common practice in order to tie powerful families more closely. After Darius passed, his children scrambled to succeed him. Atoosa demonstrated the greatest influence of her life during this time and ensured that Xerxes succeeded his father. She played an instrumental role even after Xerxes sat on the throne and deterred all possible challenges to his rule.
Pantea Arteshbod
Pantea was a Persian Lieutenant Commander who served in the army of Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE.
She was crucial to the Battle of Opis, which resulted in the fall of Babylonia. She also helped her husband to create the most renowned fighting forces of the ancient world called 10,000 ‘Persian Immortals’. The Ten Thousand Immortals were the elite force of the Persian army of the Achaemenid Empire from 550 to 330 BCE. They formed the king’s personal bodyguard and were also considered the shock troops of the infantry in Persian warfare.
Women’s leadership was held in high regard and celebrated during ancient Persian times. Lieutenant Commander Artunis, daughter of general Artebaz, served honorably with Pantea as part of the esteemed army under Cyrus and Darius I.
Artemisia I of Caria
Artemisia I is hailed as one of the most powerful women of the ancient world. As the best-known woman warrior of the Achaemenid period, she was an admiral in Xerxes I’s navy 480 BCE.
Artemisa was the only member of Xerxes’ war council to argue against confronting the Greeks in a sea battle at Salamis, a conflict that resulted in a major loss for Persia, according to Herodotus, who actually lived during her time. Xerxes valued her counsel but ignored her advice. Artemisia brought five ships and fought heroically. The defeat of Xerxes’s navy at Salamis eventually triggered his downfall.
Artemisia succeeded her deceased husband as the regent of Caria, and is believed that she ruled until she passed away.
Historians were obsessed with Artemisia. Herodotus praised her so much that his critics complain he focused on her far too much. The writer Photius (c. 858 CE) came up with a story that Artemisia fell in love with a prince named Dardanus and committed suicide after he rejected her. There is no evidence that supports the story, and it is highly unlikely that a woman who showed such strength would end her life over the love of a man.
She is also featured in 2014 film 300: Rise of an Empire, a movie Iranians argue is biased and has distorted history.
Pourandokht
Pourankokht, also known as Boran and Buran, or Burandokht was the daughter of Kosrow II (r. 590-628 CE) who took the throne in 629/630 CE, becoming the first Empress of the Sassanian Empire.
Pourandokht is featured in the children’s book The Persian Warrior and her Queen.
At a time of great turmoil, Pourandokht rose to the throne and showed remarkable resilience in unifying her people. During her reign, Persia was threatened by devastating civil wars and invasions from both Arab-Muslims forces as well as Byzantium. Yet through it all she managed to reunite an empire on the brink of collapse. She restored some stability by establishing diplomatic relations with the Byzantine Empire and improving the economy.
She was assassinated by a rival political faction who replaced her with Yazdegerd III.
Apranik
Apranik was the commander of the Sassanian army against the invading Arab-Muslim forces during the reign of Yazdegerd III (632-651 CE).
She is the main character in The Persian Warrior and her Queen.
In 7th century Persia, the unflinching Apranik took a brave stand against formidable odds, according to oral history. Undaunted by defeat in this legendary clash between Muslim Arab forces and Sassanian troops, she waged an inspiring guerilla war until her life finally ended on the battlefield.
Banu
Most Iranians still view the renowned female commando and revolutionary Banu as a hero. She was from Azerbaijan, a province of Persia.
Banu was a fierce warrior from childhood, honing her skills with bow and arrow. Fated to meet and marry Babak Khorramdin – an ardent freedom fighter who had taken up arms against the oppressive Abbasid Caliphate that enslaved Persia for two centuries – their union led to a daring rebellion movement.
Their supporters wore red and were known as the red clothed ones.
Perched atop a mountain of 8530 feet, Badd Castle was the epicenter for their movement between 816 and 837 AD. Nestled in the mountains and ravines which provided natural defenses from external forces, even a handful of Khorramdin warriors had no trouble taking down large numbers of enemies. Sneaky invaders never stood a chance during wintertime.
Babak and Banu took full advantage of the strategic location of the castle and struck at Arab forces like lightning, then vanished into thin air.
Eventually, a close friend and ally of Babak betrayed them. Both were captured and executed.
Today Iranians visit the ruins of the castle in north-eastern Iran on July 10 every year to honor their memory and those of their fighters.
Forough Farrokhzad
Forough Farokhzad, the beloved 20th century Iranian poetess who fearlessly faced societal norms and gender roles with her renowned lyricism is perhaps the most influential woman of our recent history. Her bold work, as a poet and filmmaker, were a beacon of hope for women in Iran to break away from centuries of male dominance, reclaim their autonomy and express themselves without judgement or prejudice.
Frrokhzad’s brave poetry projects broke moral, societal, and religious taboos that women had been going against for decades. She gave courage to so many thousands of women to express themselves with heart and power and to influence the future. The topics she touched upon made many to reconsider what they think was worth protecting or defending. Ultimately, they inspired a whole new generation of rebel female creators who have driven even more change in society today. Millions of younger women were inspired by her verses, feeling the burning spark of fresh hope and motivation through listening to her stories. Her words still remain a hallmark of beginning what could be viewed as an uprising rebellion among a people who can longer remain silent.
Facts and Myths about the Amazons
By: Nazila Fathi
March 7, 2022– The Amazons, or women warriors, were real. Ample archeological evidence discovered in the recent decades shows that the Amazons were strong independent women who lived in an area referred to as Scythia, which stretches from the Black Sea to Mongolia.
The evidence confirms ancient Greek stories that these women were horse-riding, spear-throwing, pants-wearing, and fearsome fighters.
These women offer another reason for girls to want to be strong girls without the need for a fictional Wonder Woman.
The Greeks and the Amazons
The Greeks called women warriors who lived in Scythia the Amazons. Parts of this region were under the control of the Greeks’ arch-nemesis: Persia
These women were the single most popular subjects in Greek vase paintings. They appeared in city murals and sculptures. They were part of Greek myths in which they died young and beautiful almost always by a Greek male hero. Hercules, for example, the last of the mortals to become a god, fulfills his ninth labor by taking the magic girdle from the Amazon queen Hippolyta.
The Greeks expected strict division of male and female roles. Therefore, nothing unsettled them more than the idea of the lives of a nomadic Scythian culture where boys and girls wore the same clothing and learned to ride and hunt together. These girls grew up to become horse riders, archers, wrestlers, and hunters. Their independence awed and scared the Greeks.
So, they depicted Scythian women as inferior, referring to them as “foreign barbaric women in far-away lands.”
The Greeks constantly fought the Amazons. Imagine facing 500 of these fierce women on a battlefield!
Amazon Tombs
The greatest number of graves belonging to warrior women have been found in the area north of the Black Sea in recent decades. The graves provide an insight into the lives of these women and shed light on how the Greeks described them.
It was only after DNA tests showed that the skeletons belonged to women that archeologists confirmed that there was much truth to what was previously known as Greek myths about the Amazons. DNA tests on the remains showed sex and age at the time of death and also everyday wear and tear on the bones, such as diseases, healed injures, and fatal blows. A lifetime of horse riding was evident in the bowed legs of the remains.
Warrior queens were buried in splendid tombs with their weapons as well as jewelry, very similar to descriptions by classical historians like Herodotus, the fifth century B.C. author known as the father of history.
One tomb belonged to a sixth-century BC warrior with a bracelet of fox teeth and gold earrings.
The skeleton of another female still had a bent arrowhead embedded in the cavity.
On average, the weapon-bearing females measured 5 feet 6 inches, making them tall for their time.
In Ukraine, where people are showing courage and bravery against invading Russian forces, women warriors were buried with heavily armored war belts with bronze or iron plates. A grave in Ukraine held a warrior woman, a child, a horse, along with 21 arrows in a leather and wood quiver, according to prominent Stanford scholar, Adrienne Mayor, who authored The Amazons, Lives, and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World.
Amazon Lifestyle
These women smoked, drank, danced, and played music. Ancient Greek sources and modern archeological discoveries confirm that two intoxicants, fermented mare’s milk, and cannabis, were part of everyday life in Scythia. Herodotus describes Amazons dancing and singing around the Kannabis fire circle.
Further, these self-sufficient women belonged to no men and were free to have sex with men on their terms. This was terrifying to Greeks since Greek girls were usually married by the age of eighteen and their guardianship was passed from a male relative to a husband.
Amazons sought relationships and lived with their partners. They were gentle and had kids to perpetuate their tribes. A story recounted by the Greek author, Philostratus, tells how the Amazons capture a ship and its sailors. They were planning to kill the sailors when one young Amazon felt pity and sexual desire for the youngest sailor. She pleaded for his freedom and the Amazons decided to release all the sailors. The sailors stayed and had close relationships with the women. They even taught the Amazons to sail, according to Mayor.
One-Breasted Warriors
The idea that a warrior woman removed one breast so that she could shoot arrows with ease is based on zero evidence, according to Mayor. All Amazons in Greek and Roman art are double-breasted too, suggesting even ancient artists refused to buy the notion.
No evidence supports the Greek myth that the Amazons abandoned or killed their baby boys. Archeologists found remains of warrior women buried with an infant or child, suggesting they did not want to be separated from them even in death.
Amazons of Persia
Iranian archeologists discovered over 100 ancient tombs belonging to warriors buried with their weapons near the Caspian Sea. A DNA test in 2004 revealed that at least one of the graves belonged to a woman. Further tests on the other remains were underway. According to Mayor, this region was associated with the Amazon Queen Thalestris, who met Alexander the Great during his campaign.
Women appeared in ancient Persian armies as soldiers and commanders. Roman authors noted the substantial number of women in military roles, particularly in the Sassanian army, according to Kaveh Farrokh, the author of The Armies of Ancient Persia: The Sassanian
The Persians recruited women for combat at critical times which suggests that they trained women just like men in the arts of War.
Apranik was a Sasanian military commander who commanded the army of Yazdegerd III against the Arab invasion of 651 AD.
And finally, do you remember Gordafarid, a symbol of courage and wisdom for Iranian women?
She is the heroine in The Shahnameh, or the Book of Kings, by the Persian poet Hakim Abul Qassem Ferdowsi around 1000 AD.
When Gordafarid learned that their leader had allowed himself to be taken, she found his behavior so shameful that her rosy cheeks became as black as pitch with rage. With not a moment’s delay, she dressed herself in a knight’s armor, gathered her hair beneath a Rumi helmet, and rode out from the fortress, a lion eager for battle. She roared at the enemy ranks, “Where are your heroes, your warriors, your tried and tested chieftains?
Gordafardid also encountered Sohrab, one of the male heroes of the Shahnameh, in combat. When she saw him, she turned in her saddle, drew a sharp blade from her waist, struck at his lance, and parted it in two.
