Iran’s Christians celebrate New Year’s Eve joyfully

Celebrating New Year around globe

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year, and watching fireworks displays.

Christian population, Christmas Culture in Iran

Christmas in Iran is celebrated by the Christian community who lives in Iran. The number of Christians in Iran, across various denominations, is estimated to be around 300,000 individuals. Among them, the Armenians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans form the majority, accounting for over 90% of Iran’s Christian population.

Christian communities can be found throughout Iran; however, certain regions have denser Christian populations. Northwestern Iran, including East and West Azerbaijan provinces, along with Isfahan’s New Jolfa neighborhood and Tehran, are notable areas where the Christian community thrives.

Most Christians in Iran have ancestral ties to Armenia, a neighboring country to the north, or Assyria, an ancient land west of Iran. Armenians, in particular, form the largest ethnic Christian population in Iran, predominantly following the Orthodox branch of Christianity. The Assyrian community also contributes significantly to the Christian fabric of Iran.

While some Iranian Christians celebrate Christmas in Iran on December 25 and New Year’s Day on January 1, Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6 at the same time as the Epiphany.

Church services during Christmas

In Iran, Christmas is significant, and churches in Iran become vibrant hubs of celebration as Armenians and other Christian denominations come together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

During the Christmas Eve mass, there are typically readings from the Bible, including the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. There may also be music, including traditional hymns and carols, as well as prayers and sermons.

For many Christians in Iran, attending church services and mass on Christmas Eve is a highlight of the holiday, as it offers a chance to come together with their fellow believers to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

St. Sarkis Cathedral is one of the most famous Armenian churches in Tehran and is a popular destination for those who celebrate Christmas. The church holds special services and masses on Christmas Eve, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and decorations.

Christmas, New Year’s preparations

Decorating the Christmas tree is the most fun part of preparing for the holiday. Just like everywhere else, decorating a pine Christmas tree is an old tradition, which is held by Christians.

The pine trees get covered with all sorts of decorations, like ornaments, colorful strings of lights, tinsels, and other desired stuff by their owners. Edible items such as gingerbread, candy canes, and other sweets are also popular to get tied to the tree’s branches with ribbons.

The last touch that needs to be added to the Christmas tree is hanging the shiny star at the top. You can see the Christmas designs behind the windows or at the entrances of different shopping malls and hotels being displayed around the Christian neighborhoods of Tehran and Isfahan.

The most popular places for buying Christmas decorations in Tehran are Mirza Shirazi Avenue and Villa Avenue, Jolfa, and the nearby Christian areas in central Tehran, where most Iranian Christians live.

During Christmas days in Iran, so much positive vibe and happiness spread around people that encourage non-Christians to celebrate it with Christians. Therefore, non-Christian Iranians also go shopping at this specific time to be fully prepared for the celebration.

These preparations for Christmas in Iran are not limited to the Christian neighborhoods, as some shops design a whole part of their place with decorations such as pine trees, Santa Claus, and reindeer figures. This is so common among the shops during Christmas.

Unique traditions of Iranian Christmas Eve celebrations

Christmas Eve celebrations in Iran are a unique blend of both Western and Persian cultures and offer a special and festive experience to those who celebrate it.

Lighting candles and decorating trees

Similar to other parts of the world, Iranian Christians often put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with ornaments, candles, and lights. They may also light candles on their windowsills or on their front doorsteps to signify the welcoming of the holiday season.

Making special dishes and sweets

They celebrate Christmas Eve with special dishes, including traditional Persian flavors and ingredients. These may include roasted chicken, rice pilaf, and shir berenj (a type of rice pudding). For dessert, they may make cookies, pastries, or halva. Each dish is cooked with extra care and love, and the aroma of the dishes fills the air during the holiday season.

Singing carols and hymns

 During Christmas Eve in Iran, many people sing carols and hymns. Some churches organize group singing sessions where members of the church sing together in harmony.

Attending the midnight liturgy, visiting the graves of loved ones

One unique tradition of Christmas Eve in Iran is attending the midnight liturgy held in churches. Many families also visit the graves of their loved ones during this time, placing flowers or candles on the graves as a way of remembering and honoring their memory.

Sending Christmas cards

Sending Christmas cards is a popular tradition in Iran. People send cards to their family and friends to wish them a happy holiday season, and these cards often feature traditional Persian images or artwork.

Christmas Eve in Iran is an occasion that goes beyond cultural and religious divides, creating moments of happiness and celebration for all involved. The lights illuminating the streets of Tehran and the meaningful services in churches reflect Iran’s diverse culture. Christmas in Iran is not just about the festivities; it’s about coming together, sharing traditional meals, and enjoying the warmth of family and friends. This holiday highlights the universal themes of peace, joy, and community, uniting Iranians and visitors in the festive spirit. It’s a time when the true essence of Christmas – harmony, diversity, and unity – shines brightly across Iran.

Compiled by Sahar Dadjoo