The Triumph of the Crimson Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice of Light

Shab-e Yalda, or Yalda Night, is one of the most ancient and beloved Persian festivals, celebrating the winter solstice—the longest night of the year. Historically, it marks the turning point where the sun begins its slow victory over darkness. In ancient Persian mythology, the darkness of night was associated with Ahriman (the spirit of evil), and the longest night represented a peak of that darkness. To combat this, people gathered together in the safety of light and companionship to protect one another until the sun rose. Today, it remains a beautiful symbol of hope and the triumph of light Mithra over the shadows of winter.