We are going to be having a simplified Persian wedding ceremony.  Like many modern Iranian traditions, the traditional Persian ceremony has roots in Zoroastrian beliefs of the importance of nature and harvest, and places the couple amongst symbols of this.  In more recent history, Islamic traditions and requirements were also infused into the process.  Look for our ceremony to be secular, but follow many of the traditional customs.

The marriage ceremony is known as the aghd.  It takes place with the bride and groom seated before a spread of traditional items, called the sofreh.  Each of these items has its own symbolism with regard to prosperity that it may bring.  Customs vary, but the items on the sofreh typically include a mirror, candelabras, fruits, sweets, bread, a prayer rug, gold coins, fine silk, and a Qoran. 

Because Islamic law forbade the bride being seen by males, the aghd typically took place in a room with only women present.  Today, everyone is invited, though by tradition the married women of the families stand in the immediate vicinity of the bride.  They hold above the couple a canopy of fine fabric (see picture) and grind two cones of sugar over their heads, to hope for a sweet life.  They also take turns during the ceremony sewing two pieces of fabric together with a silk thread.  This is to symbolize the union of the couple, although it has also been suggested to symbolize sewing the mother-in-law’s lips shut!

The marriage ceremony is performed by either a religious official or by a male elder with standing in the community.  When the officiant asks for the bride’s hand on behalf of the groom, by tradition the bride does not speak as first, lest she come across as too eager.  As she sits quietly, the gathered women yell out to cover for her--”The bride is thinking...”  The second time might elicit shouts of “She’s gone out to pick flowers!”  Only by the third time she’s asked, with a little bit of encouragement, does the bride herself speak up and give the affirmative response of “baleh!”

After the vows, rings are exchanged and the couple give one another tastes of the sweets and honey set out on the sofreh.

To read more about Persian wedding ceremonies, please see persianmirror.com or iranchamber.com