The ‘Aghd’ (Legal Marriage Contract)
The wedding ceremony ‘aghd’ has evolved from ancient Persia and is very symbolic of religion and culture. It is a combination of both Islamic norms as well as ancient pre-Islamic culture and traditions of the Zoroastrians, with new family traditions being continually added on.

The actual wedding ceremony takes place along side the ‘sofreh aghd’ an elaborately decorated spread (ceremony setting), symbolizing the four main elements of the universe – ‘Earth’ (growht/life), ‘Fire’ (energy), ‘Water’(purification) and ‘Air’ (elements to sustain life), and religious symbols of either the Moslems or Zoroastrians – which ever the case may be.

The ‘sofreh’ is set so that when the bride and groom are seated they face east in the direction of Mecca for Moslems and sunrise – the direction of energy. Usually, the ‘aghd’ is performed before sunset. It takes place at the bride’s parent’s home. The ‘sofreh’ is assembled and laden with the main religious and symbolic elements. A ‘Quran’ (holy book), a ‘ja-e-namaz’ (prayer mat), an ‘ayeneh bakht’ (ornate mirror of fate), and a pair of ‘shamdoons’ (candelabras) - all being gifts from the groom symbolizing union of energy and life. The mirror of fate is the focal point on the ‘sofreh’ with the two candelabras on either side of the mirror, one representing the bride and the other the groom. The first thing the groom sees at the ‘sofreh’(at the start of the ceremony) reflected in the mirror, is his bride’s face.

An assortment of seven types of confectionery/pastry (noghl, baqlava, toot, nan-berenji, nan-nokhodchi, nan-badoom, sohaan aseli), honey are also arranged on the ‘sofreh’ to be shared with guests. Other food items include – a large flat bread ‘sangak’ with ‘mobarak-b’ad or be-nameh-Khoda’ (in the name of God or congratulations) decoratively written on it with either cinnamon or nigella seeds or sparkle dust. A platter of ‘nan-va-panir’(feta cheese, bread and fresh herbs) which is also shared with the guests to bring prosperity, abundance and happiness to the bridal couple. Honey to make the couple’s future sweet. The ‘sofreh’ will also have a tray of “atel-o-batel’ consisting of seven coloured spices (to drive evil spirits away). A pair of ‘kallehqands’ (two large cones of sugar), to be rubbed over a fine scarf held over the bridal couple’s head during the ceremony. A ‘caseh nabat’ (crystallized sugar bowl) – to store sweetness during their years to come. A bowl of rose water to perfume and purify the air. Seven needles and coloured silk threads to secure the bride and groom together. A small brazier burning ‘espand’ (wild rue) – fumes of which are believed to dispel evil spirits. A variety of beautiful flowers traditionally, tuberoses and roses - to create aroma and beautify the couple’s life together.