In Iran, the winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries and it is called Shabe Yalda, which refers to the birthday or rebirth of the sun. The ceremony is traced to the primal concept of Light and Good against Darkness and Evil in the ancient Iranian religion. Shabe Yalda is a time of joy.

Yalda is a Syriac word and means birth. Mithra-worshippers used the term 'yalda' specifically with reference to the birth of Mithra. As the longest night of the year, the Eve of Yalda (Shabe Yalda) is also a turning point, after which the days grow longer. In ancient times it symbolised the triumph of the Sun God over the powers of darkness.

In the evening of Shabe Yalda bonfires are lit outside, while inside the home, family and friends gather in a night-long vigil around the Korsi. On into the night of festivities the family keeps the fires burning and the lights glowing to help the sun in its battle against darkness. They recite poetry and play music, tell jokes and stories, until the sun, triumphantly reappears in the morning.

This year's Shabe Yalda is celebrated on Friday, December 21st. Keep this ancient tradition alive by celebrating Shabe Yalda to the fullest! Get together with your loved ones, enjoy tasty Persian food, and compliment the festivities with great music from Radio Javan!

Shabe Yalda Mobarak!