Don CeSar Resort - A Beautiful Persian Wedding Ceremony

Congratulations Ali and Helena! How beautiful it is when marriage rituals of two cultures can be combined! I was so honored to officiate the wedding of Ali and Helena this past weekend. I officiated the American wedding at the beautiful Don CeSar Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. Once completed, the couple then had a Persian Wedding Ceremony and I want to share with you about that ceremony and the rituals involved.

The aghd wedding ceremony is performed by a religious or civil authority. He asks the bride if she accepts the groom as her husband. This question is traditionally repeated three times. The first and second time, the bride does not respond. Other people make excuses like, "she has to conduct surgery", or "she went to the library." Finally, the third time, she quietly responds "baleh (yes)." It is said that not responding the first two times indicates that the bride is entering the marriage with enough thoughtfulness and wisdom. So, in this case, Helena rejected Ali twice!!

The wedding vows are taken before an elaborate table called the "sofreh aghd" in the presence of the bride and grooms parents, family members, and close friends. As with any other Iranian and Persian traditions, the sofreh aghd and the multiple items placed thereon have deep symbolic meaning. Perhaps the most significant items is a large central mirror placed directly in front of where Ali and Helena sit before taking their vows. Two candles flank the mirror and this represents the bright light that shines into the couple's future. A

tray of bread also adorns the sofreh representing prosperity. Traditionally, a flatbread called non-e-sangak has been used and can be decorated in many ways. Representing fertility are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and decorated eggs. These are usually painted in gold and silver colors. The sweetness of life is represented in many items including, a bowl of crystalized sugar, or "kaseh nabat", a small bowl of honey, and in one or more trays of assorted Persian sweets and pastry such as Baghlava, Toot, and raisin cookies. A small bowl of yogurt represents the sour times in a marriage. Termeh is a traditional Persian embroidered cloth, generally having the paisley design. It is used to decorate the sofreh aghd and symbolizes tradition. A tray of esphand (wild rue), which can be decorated in many different shapes and colors is used to keep away the "evil eye." Also placed on the sofreh are small bowls of coins representing wealth and many pomegranates, a heavenly fruit. Religious and poetry books may be placed on the aghd setting.

Family and friends gather and hold a long scarf made of fine fabric or silk over the heads of Ali and Helena. The guests take turns rubbing two large pieces of rock sugar (Kale-ghand) over the scarf. This represents the sweetness they bestow upon the couple. A needle and seven strands of colored thread are sewn into one corner of the Kale-ghand scarf and are used to figuratively sew up the mother in law's lips from speaking unpleasant words or meddling in the marriage. For those who wish to keep this portion and make it less offensive, the tradition could mean sewing the lips of the "nay-sayers".

There was also a beautiful Persian Knife Dance. The purpose of this dance called Raghseh Chagoo is for Ali and Helena to retrieve the knife from the dancers with money so they can finally cut the wedding cake. The dancers who performed the knife dance at the wedding were Shahrzad and Rozana.

Beautiful, rich, traditions, enjoyed by all! Congratulations Ali and Helena!!!