Yalda Night is one of the oldest surviving traditions from ancient Iran. Its roots go back to astronomy, the solar cycle, and the spiritual beliefs of Iranians before the Achaemenid period. Yalda refers to the longest and darkest night of the year — the night after which the days gradually become longer and light overcomes darkness.

Thousands of years before modern calendars were created, ancient Iranians carefully observed the movement of the sun. They realized that at the end of autumn, there comes a night longer than all others, and after it, the sun seems to regain its strength. For people whose lives depended on agriculture and nature, this change was of great importance.

That is why this night was seen not only as a natural event but also as a symbol of the rebirth of light, warmth, and life.