The connection between Christ's birth and Yalda in Iran and Mithraism | شب یلدا

The victory of light over darkness
The ancient Yalda festival in Iran
مستندی از سنت شب یلدا یا شب چله در ایران از میترائیسم و مهرپرستی تا به امروز
( قسمت هایی که با زبان گیلکی صحبت می کنند را می توانید با زیرنویس فارسی ببینید)
A documentary of the tradition of Yalda night or Cheleh night in Iran from Mithraism and Mehr worship until today

Yalda Night is rooted in Zoroastrian tradition and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Historically, people believed that the longest night of the year was inauspicious, so they would gather to protect themselves from evil. With the dawn, the light (symbolizing good) was thought to defeat darkness (symbolizing evil).

Traditions:
Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate, often at the home of the oldest family member, and stay awake past midnight, waiting for the dawn.

Fruits and Nuts: Special foods are eaten, symbolizing the bounty of the summer harvest and the hope for a prosperous winter. Pomegranates and watermelons are particularly important:

Pomegranates: They represent the cycle of life and rebirth with their many seeds.
Watermelon: It is believed that eating watermelon will protect one from the cold of winter.
Hafez Divination (Fal-e Hafez): Many people read poems from the famous Persian poet Hafez. They believe that his poetry contains wisdom and that by interpreting a random poem, they can glimpse their future or receive guidance.

Storytelling: Elders recount stories and folk tales to the younger generation, continuing an oral tradition that spans centuries.

Yalda Night is a celebration of life, hope, and the renewal of the sun. It highlights the importance of family and cultural heritage, blending joy and reflection as the new year approaches.