Iranians Embrace Ancient Winter Solstice Traditions Despite Economic Challenges

Millions of Iranian families are gearing up to celebrate the ancient Winter Solstice festival this Friday evening, known as Yalda Night or Shab-e Chelleh. Despite the significance of this joyous occasion, many families are scaling back their budgets, leading to a noticeable dip in sales reported by local businesses.

Yalda Night is a cherished event that marks the longest night of the year and holds a prominent place in the Iranian calendar. This festival, akin to Nowruz—the celebration of the Spring Equinox and the Iranian New Year—has its roots tracing back to at least the Achaemenid era, around 500 BC. The term “Yalda,” derived from ancient Syriac, translates to “birthday.”

The celebration of Yalda is reminiscent of Christmas, characterized by special foods, an array of fruits such as watermelons and pomegranates, nuts, dried fruits, candles, poetry readings, games, and lively songs and dances. For ancient Iranians, the Winter Solstice signified the eve of the birth of Mithra, the God of light and love. On this night, they believed that Light triumphed over Darkness, allowing the sun to regain its strength, leading to longer days and the eventual rebirth of nature at the Spring Equinox.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, currently on a visit to Cairo, conveyed a heartfelt message to Iranians on Thursday, extending his congratulations for Yalda. He stated, “We Iranians believe that Yalda will bring light [after long days of darkness].”

However, the economic landscape has changed for many families. According to Alireza Arzani, an official with Iran’s Chamber of Guilds, while the prices of food and essential items for Yalda celebrations have remained relatively stable compared to last year, the purchasing power among the populace has decreased by approximately 50%. This decline has resulted in many businesses facing challenges.

• Traditional Yalda Night Foods: Families typically indulge in a selection of traditional foods.
• Declining Demand: Retailers are compelled to lower prices and profit margins to sell stock that would usually be in high demand during this season.
• Estimated Costs: Tejarat News estimates that a family of four will need to spend around 25 million rials (about $30) for a modest Yalda spread this year, which constitutes 20-25% of the average monthly income for many Iranian workers and civil servants.

Interestingly, Iran’s hardline Shiite clerical establishment disapproves of pre-Islamic celebrations, viewing them as remnants of paganism. Despite this opposition, the deep-rooted traditions of the Iranian people have effectively resisted attempts over the past four decades to downplay the importance of ancient festivals in favor of Islamic ones. Most Iranians see no conflict in celebrating both ancient and Islamic occasions.

Each year, tens of millions of text messages are exchanged to commemorate the Winter Solstice, similar to the celebrations during Nowruz. Additionally, devout individuals often send greetings during religious occasions, such as the birthdays of Prophet Muhammad and the first Shiite Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

In a controversial move in 2023, Iran’s Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution (SCCR) renamed several calendar events, including Yalda, which they designated as the “Day of Promotion of the Culture of Hosting and Connecting with Relatives.” This council consists of members appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and aims to ensure that non-Islamic cultural influences are minimized while education and culture align with the religious establishment’s values.

The public response to the SCCR’s rebranding was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewed this move as an attempt to erase the country’s pre-Islamic heritage, leading them to promise a more vibrant celebration of Yalda. Social media buzzed with jokes about the lengthy name proposed for the ancient festival, and the backlash compelled authorities to reconsider their stance. Even state-run television, which typically maintains a monopoly on broadcasting, along with the hardline-dominated Tehran municipality, attempted to show a newfound interest in honoring Yalda by airing special programs and installing decorations throughout the city.

This trend of celebrating Yalda with enthusiasm continues this year, showcasing the resilience of Iranian culture in the face of opposition. As families come together to partake in the festivities, they not only celebrate the ancient traditions but also reaffirm their cultural identity amidst the changing economic landscape.