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Weddings
Traditions in Iran
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the majority of the population of Iran subscribe
it Islam and it is located in the Middle East, the people of Iran
can trace their ancestry back to ancient Persian lines. Persian,
rather than Arabic, is the dominant language, and many of the customs
retain elements of Persian Zoroastrianism. Although the sacred parts
of the wedding ceremony, such as the reading of religious passages,
are now conducted in the traditional Muslim way (with readings from
the Quran as well as blessings such as the Kitbah), there are many
aspects that still reflect ancient Iranian heritage
Iranian weddings are meant to be very public celebrations, taking
place in front of as many people as possible. Bride prices are perhaps
higher in Iran than in any other Muslim country; they are so high
in fact that to many, they are almost prohibitive. The cost for a
bride includes not only gifts for her and her family, but also the
entire cost of the reception, which as mentioned is typically very
large and very long.
In order to offset these costs, many Iranian couples
are no longer having the traditional large ceremony, instead electing
the Muslim equivalent of eloping (the marriage is still blessed
by the imam, but there is no contract. This is usually very hard
on the bride, who must bear the wrath of her parents). Another way
in which Iranians are offsetting the cost of nuptials is by getting
married in a ceremony involving two, three, or more other couples.
This way, the costs are shared by all.
Ceremony
Both ceremony and reception take place at the house of the bride’s
parents. The ceremony is started when the guests begin arriving.
The Persian ceremony includes the ceremony itself (Aghd) and
the reception of three to seven days (Jashn-e Aroosi). There is
a very elaborate floor spread set up for Aghd, including several
kinds of food and decorations (Sofreh-ye Aghd), all with a significance
of their own. The spread is set up so that faces east towards the
light:
• Spread. The elaborate
cloth placed underneath the set up on the floor is passed down from
mother to daughter. It is made of expensive cashmere, satin, or
silk, and is embroidered.
• A tray of herbs and spices.
There are seven different elements on this tray, each with a different
color. The herbs and the colors are said to ward off evil spirits.
• Mirrors and candles. A
mirror is placed in front of where the couple will sit, with two
candles on either side. This arrangement again symbolizes light,
and the candles unity. The bride sits down veiled but then removes
the veil, and so the first thing a groom sees at the table is a
reflection of his bride.
• Fertility symbols.
Several types of nuts in shells as well as eggs are placed on the
spread to symbolize the wishes of a fertile union.
• The Quran. A copy
of the Quran is opened to the middle and placed in the center of
the spread. A prayer rug and prayer kit is also placed on the center
of the spread.
• Coins and various sweets.
A bowl of coins is used to bring wealth, and there are several sweet
pastries that represent the sweetness of the new life and also to
share with guests.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom often have the sugar
from special sugar cones shaved off by guests and onto their heads.
This is thought to bring good fortune, as well as representing a
wish that their new life will be filled with joy (sweetness). The
bride will keep these cones as souvenirs and for good luck.
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