An ancient Persian wedding custom goes modern
Sofreh Aghd is a symbolic wedding parade that involves a variety of rituals. But many couples choose to add their own modern touch.
Weddings are steeped in tradition, but where do these rituals come from? “Traditions,” a new column, explores the origins of various wedding customs around the world.
Ever since Mandana Ansari was a little girl, she knew she wanted to acknowledge her Iranian heritage by hosting a "Sofreh Aghd" on her wedding day. “I have always loved the symbolism and meaning of Sofreh – new life, new beginnings, fertility,” Ms Ansari said. "My culture is so much a part of who I am."
The literal meaning of "Sofreh" is "traditional broadcast," said Mitra Ghahramani, Creative Director and founder of Designs by Mitra, an event and wedding planning company specializing in Sofreh Aghd designs and multicultural ceremonies. The word "Aghd", Ms. Ghahramani added, means "to connect, to tie together", like a knot.
Mitra Ghahramani, who immigrated to the United States 26 years ago, comes from three generations of Iranian creative designers. At Designs by Mitra, she said, she is able to "actively engage with my heritage and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Persian traditions" that can be passed on to future generations.
Traditionally, Ms. Ghahramani said, Sofreh Aghd refers to a large white tablecloth that is laid on the floor to form a sacred space for the union. It is often adorned with elaborate linen adorned with gold, silver, lace and silk embellishments.
"Sofreh Aghd refers to the wedding ceremony Persian tradition where legal marriage usually takes place," she says. "The couple is seated in front of the Sofreh adorned with symbolic objects intended to bless the newlywed couple."
The ritual often involves a bride and groom seated at the head of the Sofreh Aghd, a ceremonial table covered with objects with symbolic meanings, surrounded by family and friends.
The couple often faces a large mirror and two lit candelabras, which together represent their hopes for a bright future. "The mirror reflects light and clarity of mind, and the fire symbolizes purity and energy representing a bright future for the newlyweds," Ms Ghahramani said. "During the ceremony, the newlyweds must see themselves in the reflection of the mirror to ensure a bright future."
The broadcast has a plethora of symbolic elements, like honey and fruits, like pomegranates and apples, for a happy future; nuts and gold coins for abundance; eggs to symbolize fertility; spices to ward off evil and represent the spice of life; a needle and thread to designate two families that become one; and a sacred book for faith, hope and protection from God.
Sofreh Aghd is a symbolic wedding parade that involves a variety of rituals. But many couples choose to add their own modern touch.
Weddings are steeped in tradition, but where do these rituals come from? “Traditions,” a new column, explores the origins of various wedding customs around the world.
Ever since Mandana Ansari was a little girl, she knew she wanted to acknowledge her Iranian heritage by hosting a "Sofreh Aghd" on her wedding day. “I have always loved the symbolism and meaning of Sofreh – new life, new beginnings, fertility,” Ms Ansari said. "My culture is so much a part of who I am."
The literal meaning of "Sofreh" is "traditional broadcast," said Mitra Ghahramani, Creative Director and founder of Designs by Mitra, an event and wedding planning company specializing in Sofreh Aghd designs and multicultural ceremonies. The word "Aghd", Ms. Ghahramani added, means "to connect, to tie together", like a knot.
Mitra Ghahramani, who immigrated to the United States 26 years ago, comes from three generations of Iranian creative designers. At Designs by Mitra, she said, she is able to "actively engage with my heritage and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Persian traditions" that can be passed on to future generations.
Traditionally, Ms. Ghahramani said, Sofreh Aghd refers to a large white tablecloth that is laid on the floor to form a sacred space for the union. It is often adorned with elaborate linen adorned with gold, silver, lace and silk embellishments.
"Sofreh Aghd refers to the wedding ceremony Persian tradition where legal marriage usually takes place," she says. "The couple is seated in front of the Sofreh adorned with symbolic objects intended to bless the newlywed couple."
The ritual often involves a bride and groom seated at the head of the Sofreh Aghd, a ceremonial table covered with objects with symbolic meanings, surrounded by family and friends.
The couple often faces a large mirror and two lit candelabras, which together represent their hopes for a bright future. "The mirror reflects light and clarity of mind, and the fire symbolizes purity and energy representing a bright future for the newlyweds," Ms Ghahramani said. "During the ceremony, the newlyweds must see themselves in the reflection of the mirror to ensure a bright future."
The broadcast has a plethora of symbolic elements, like honey and fruits, like pomegranates and apples, for a happy future; nuts and gold coins for abundance; eggs to symbolize fertility; spices to ward off evil and represent the spice of life; a needle and thread to designate two families that become one; and a sacred book for faith, hope and protection from God.
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