Persian Wedding Traditions

There are two phases in a Persian traditional marriage. Usually both take place on the same day, but occasionally there could a gap of two three days between the two. The first ceremony is called "Aghd", which is the legal process of getting married where the couples sign a marriage contract. The second stage is "Jashn-e Aroosi", or the wedding reception celebrations.

The ceremony takes place in specially decorated rooms with flowers and elaborately decorated Sofreh-ye Aghd". Traditionally Sofreh-ye Aghd is placed on the floor facing east in the direction of sunrise (light). Accordingly when bride and bridegroom are seated at the head of Sofreh-ye Aghd they will be facing "The Light" symbolizing the 'Light of the God'. Normally Aghd takes place at the bride's house.

After all the guests are seated the bridegroom is the first to take his seat in the room at the head of Sofreh-ye Aghd. The bride comes later and joins the bridegroom at the head of Sofreh-ye Aghd. The bridegroom at all times sits on the right hand side of the bride. In Zoroastrian culture the right side authorize a place of respect.

The marriage requires a mirror and two candle bars on either side of the mirror symbolizing the brightness of the married couple. The bride enters the room covered with her veil, as the sits beside the groom he lifts up her veil and sees the first reflection of his bride's face in the mirror.

A scarf or shawl is held over the couples head throughout the marriage ceremony mostly by happily married couples. A holy book is placed on the carpet and holy prayers are read out to remind the couple of importance of prayer both at blissful times and times of hardship. This prayer kit includes a prayer rosary or a cross & Holy Bible or a small rug "Sajjaadeh" and a strand of prayer beads "Tasbih". A grand feast is organized at the reception ceremony.

Travour.com describes and provides information on the wedding traditions of Persian and around the world.

Here are some Wedding Traditions performed around the world