SOFREH SYMBOLS

The Iranian wedding ceremony, is a beautiful and joyful event, dating back thousands of years to the ancient culture of Iran-Zamin. It incorporates and pays tribute to many elements of nature along with many aspects of the Zoroastrian faith and traditions. 

An essential part of every Iranian wedding ceremony is the Sofreh - ye - Aghd, which is an elaborate spread decorated with an assortment of symbolic items, each representing an element of marriage and the new couple’s life together. 

AYNEH - YE - BAKHT VA SHAMDAAN

Mirror and Candelabras – symbols of purity, light and brightness. As the story goes, the first thing the groom should see is the face of his bride reflected in the mirror, lit by the light of the candles.

MEEVEH

Apples/Pomegranates – represents a joyous future.

NAAN - E - SANGAK

Decorated Flatbread – foundation of prosperity for the feasts of the couple’s life together.

GERDOO/ BAADAAM / GANDOM / FANDOGH

Walnuts, Almonds, Wheat, Hazelnuts – symbols of fertility and abundance.

SHAAKHEH - E - NABAAT

Rock Candy – to sweeten life for the newlyweds.

ASAL

Honey – consumed right after the ceremony to ensure sweetness in life.

ESPAND

Wild Rue – believed to keep away the evil eye and bring good health.

SEKKEH 

Coins – represents wealth and prosperity for the couple.

SHIRINI

Sweets and Pastries – shared with guests after the ceremony to share the sweetness of life.

GOLAAB

Rose Water – extracted from Persian rose to perfume the air.

TOKHM - E - MORGH

Eggs – represents fertility for the couple.

KALLEH GHAND

Sugar Cones – to shower the couple with sugar, symbolizing sweetness and happiness

(used with the sugar cloth).

TOOR - E - GHAND

Sugar Cloth – a fine fabric which is held over the couple’s head throughout the ceremony by various happily married female relatives and friends. 

AATEL - O - BAATEL

An assortment of herbs and spices – represents prosperity and spice of life. Generally, used to ward against evil spirits.

NAKH - O - SOOZAN

Needle and Thread – symbolizes the ritual of two people becoming one.

KETAAB 

Poetry Book or Holy book– placed on the spread in front of the couple as a symbol of inspiration and cultural heritage.

TERMEH

Traditional Embroidered Cloth –handed down from generation to generation to symbolize family and tradition.

NOGHL

Sugar coated almond slices – shared with guests after the ceremony to share the sweetness of life. about your business here.