sadeh

Sadeh is a traditional Iranian festival celebrated in late January or early February, roughly fifty days before Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. It is one of the oldest winter feasts in Iran and is associated with the triumph of light over darkness during the cold season.

The name Sadeh, derived from the Persian word for hundred, reflects its midwinter timing in some accounts, though exact etymology varies. The festival has roots in pre-Islamic Persian and Zoroastrian customs, later integrated into national culture and folk traditions.

Observances center on fire. People light large bonfires outdoors or in courtyards, gather around them, sing, recite poetry, and tell stories. The fires symbolize warmth, purification, and the return of brighter days. In addition to ritual fires, communities share meals and snacks—often including stews, nuts, dried fruits, and breads. Some families visit relatives or neighbors to exchange well-wishes for the coming spring.

In contemporary Iran, Sadeh is celebrated across urban and rural regions and by the Iranian diaspora worldwide, with regional variations in songs, poetry, and customs. It is commonly discussed alongside other midwinter celebrations such as Shab-e Yalda, yet it maintains a distinct emphasis on fire and resilience in winter.