Persian
Wedding Culture and Traditions
The Persian community cultures are based on the Zoroastrian wedding
traditions; however, there are some regional or local variations.
The marriage is an occasion of glory for the community. It is the
most conspicuous of all the rituals and must be celebrated in an
assembly, which can bear witness to the event.
Traditionally, there are two stages in a Persian marriage. Most
often both take place on the same day, but occasionally there could
be some gap between the two.
The first is called "Aghd". It is legal
process of getting married. The bride, bridegroom and their parents
sign a marriage contract.
In the second ceremony, a feast or celebration is held which lasts
for three to seven days. It is popularly known as "Jashn e
Aroosi".
The ceremony takes place in a specially decorated
room with lots of flowers in a beautiful way. The elaborately decorated
spread on the floor called "Sofreh ye Aghd" is generally
set facing the east which is the direction of sunrise. Consequently
when bride and groom are seated together at the head, they should
face the sacred light.
Traditionally, this custom takes place at bride's
parents. The wedding ceremony is initiated with the arrival of guest
who is witness to the marriage. Traditionally, the family members
and close friends are present in the room to welcome the guests.
They are seated at comfortable places.
After all the guests are seated, the groom is the
first one to take the seat. The bride comes afterwards and joins
the groom. The bride groom always sits on the right side of the
bride.
In the Persian culture, right side depicts respect
and honor.
The spread that is used on the floor as the backdrop
for Sofreh-ye Aghd was traditionally passed from mother to daughter.
On some occasion it can be passed to the son. The spread is made
of luxurious fabric such as silk.
Bride generally reaches the marriage venue in a veil.
However, she removes the veil while sitting with the groom. The
first thing which the groom saw in the mirror is the reflection
of his would be wife after she removes the veil.
Mirror is surrounded by the candles on either side
which depicts the light. Light and fire are considered very important
in the Persian society.
Another thing which is considered very lucky is a
fish in a bowl, which signifies life. A tray of multi colored spices
is kept at the wedding venue to ward off the evil spirits and save
the couple from their bad intentions.
When the couple sits together, two female guests hold
a thin piece of cloth over their head and hard crystals of sugar
are poured in it which signifies the addition of sweetness in their
relationship.
Then bride and groom are separately asked if they
accept each other as their future companions. The bride is asked
three times. However, she remains silent for two times at which
crowd comments that she might be thinking.
Some says she might have gone for picking the flowers.
When she is asked third for the third time, she gives
her consent in affirmation. Only after this wedding vows are taken
by the couple.
The gifts are given to the couple after the ceremony
and they are blessed for their future life. So this is a tiny glimpse
in the weeding ceremony of Persian people.
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