In ancient times, when the secrets of evolution and Earth’s natural elements had not yet been discovered by humans, Persians chose gods inspired by nature. Among these gods, the sun had a special and important place due to how it makes life possible and has helped to save humans from darkness, cold, sorrow, and hunger.

Every year, ancient Persians prepared their cities for large celebrations as “Yalda” grew closer: they decorated evergreen cypress and pine trees, wore colorful clothes, and prepared food and sweets that reminded them of the color of the sun. Then on the night of Yalda, the longest night of the year, they would celebrate and dance until dawn in their fire temples, atop hills, on streets, in alleys, and on rooftops.

The ancient Persians believed that every year, as the last night of autumn ended, the sun is born again and commands the end of darkness and cold as the embodiment of light, warmth, and life. It was with this belief that Yalda has also been given significance to Iranians: through the inevitable victory of light, kindness, and justice over darkness, violence, and injustice.

Unfortunately, during these last decades of bitterness, darkness, and anguish, Iranians have suffered under the rule of a savage and brutal government, and Yalda has earned a special meaning. As once again we celebrate our festival of Yalda, we await the arrival of the sun and the light of freedom to erase darkness and injustice of this regime from our land.

Let us this year enthusiastically celebrate the rebirth of the sun once again, next to the evergreen Yalda tree in our homes, alleys, and cities, knowing that victory over darkness and injustice is inevitable.

Shokooh Mirzadegi

December 2024 / Azar 1403

wchv.org

www.savepasargad.com

In general, it is understood that people of all countries cherish their cultural heritage and demonstrate the best of their culture and heritage to others. It is clear that the cultural values of any period of history are measured based on the existence of those known values as well as the preservation and remembrance of those values and heritage. There have been few cultures that have preserved and have been able to perpetually advance their cultural traditions well beyond their own borders and celebrate it with the rest of the people of the world.

One of these cultures is our “beautiful and secular Iranian culture”;

A culture that respects wisdom and praises kindness,

A culture that has no preference or religious, ethnic, racial, sexual and gender discrimination,

A culture that avoids violence and sadness and loves peace and happiness,

A culture with over thousands of New Year’s celebration which has now transcended across borders and countries around the globe with its beautiful and stunning rituals and ceremonies,

And a culture that even under the suppression of one of the most violent and tyrannical religious governments and its cruel practices, has not reduced its value and credibility; rather, it has shown its significance and pride.

This past year we have seen and experienced a confrontation between glorious and noble Iranian people and a tyrannical regime. The huge price we have paid has been further oppression, imprisonment, torture and death of freedom loving Iranian people.

On the eve of our beautiful Nowruz, we hear the same familiar call which has been uttered by cultures and peoples all over the world and now being repeated by people of Iran: “We want a healthy and free life in a free country that celebrates Nowruz and can no longer tolerate the death of freedom loving people.”

Happy Nowruz and Iranian New year

Shokooh Mirzadegi

March 2023