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.