The Iranian wedding ceremony, Aghd, 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, which in itself pays homage to the four elements of nature; earth, wind, fire and water.  Each of these four elements are represented on the Sofreh (the spread) and are believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the couple’s life and marriage.

Items on the Sofreh
1.  Ayeneye Bakht (Large mirror, believed to bring light and brightness into the future)
2.  Sha’am (Two candelabras, to symbolize fire and energy)
3.  Naan-e Sangak (Flatbread, to represent prosperity)
4.  Tokhm-e Morgh (Decorated eggs, to symbolize fertility)
5.  Gerdou & Badoum (Walnuts & almonds, to symbolize fertility)
6.  Seeb (Apples, to symbolize the divine creation of mankind)
7.  Golaab (Rose water, extracted from Persian rose to perfume the air)
8.  Nabaat (Crystalized sugar to sweeten life for the newly wed)
9.  Honey (consumed right after the ceremony to ensure sweetness in life)
10.  Termeh (Traditional Persian gold embroidered cloth, handed down from generation to generation to symbolize family and tradition)
11.  Kalleh Ghand (Two large sugar cones – to shower the couple with sugar symbolizing sweetness and happiness)
12.  Sekeh va Noghl (Gold coins and almond candy – to represent wealth and prosperity)
13.  Esfand (Wild rue – to represent purity and health)
14.  Shaah-Nameh or Hafez or Holy Book
15.  Shirini (Sweets and pastries, to share the sweetness of life with the guests after the ceremony)
16.  Sabzi (Tray of fresh herbs, to share the happiness and prosperity with the guests after the ceremony).

Today, the Sofreh and other aspects of the Aghd Ceremony take various forms and presentations and reflect the taste and wishes of the families involved.  For referrals to Sofreh Designers, feel free to contact nilou@weddingvowsbynilou.com.