The Zoroastrian mid-winter festival of fire is called Sadeh.
Sadeh, also transliterated Sada, is an ancient Iranian mid-winter celebration centered on large fires. It is traditionally observed 50 days before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The name is commonly linked to the idea of “one hundred”: 50 days and 50 nights remain until spring, making 100 days and nights in total.
Fire is the festival’s defining symbol. It represents light, warmth, energy, and the struggle against darkness and winter’s cold. A traditional legend credits the mythical King Hushang with discovering fire after throwing a stone at a snake and producing a spark when it struck another stone. The story connects Sadeh with humanity’s mastery of fire and the preservation of life through winter.
Sadeh is especially associated with Zoroastrian communities in Iran and with cities such as Yazd and Kerman, although people of varied backgrounds may participate in modern celebrations. It is distinct from Nowruz, which marks the spring equinox, and from Tirgan and Mehregan, which are other Iranian festivals with different themes and seasons.