List of Sofreh Aghd Items
The sofreh aghd, is a traditional table at Iranian weddings, where a groom and bride marry. Each item symbolizes the beginning of a couple’s new life together. Regardless of Iranians’ diverse backgrounds, the table remains a cherished cultural ceremony practiced across faiths and cultures. “Sofreh” translates to “spread,” while “aghd” signifies “ceremony.”
In Canada, it’s a tradition for couples to include both a regular wedding ceremony and then an aghd ceremony afterward. This is where they exchange vows and marry at the aisle. This dual celebration reflects the multicultural fabric of Canadian society. It allows couples to honor their cultural heritage alongside mainstream wedding traditions. The traditional ceremony at the aisle captures the essence of Western wedding customs. Meanwhile, the Iranian ceremony adds a touch of Persian cultural richness. This creates a harmonious blend of diverse practices in the joyous union of the couple.
Sofreh Aghd Designs
Each sofreh aghd design, uniquely crafted around the bride and groom’s style by vendors like Scenic Sofreh. They aim to preserve traditional elements while showcasing individuality. While traditional essentials are a constant, the level of intricacy varies based on the couple’s preferences and budget. Some designs can be fancy, while others choose a more simple and subtle style.
Looking at pictures and a list of items on the sofreh helps us see how beautiful this ceremonial setup is. The elements on the sofreh represent various facets of the couple’s new life and shared journey. This makes it a visually rich and meaningful part of the wedding ceremony.
Here are a list of items to consider including on your sofreh aghd:
Candelabras
Representing energy and clarity in the couple’s shared life, candelabras add a bright touch to the ceremony. The focal point of many traditional Persian celebrations revolves around fire. The flame is viewed not as a destructive force but rather as a purifying element within the culture.
Sofreh Aghd Mirror
Undoubtedly the most prominent item, the mirror, occupies a central position at the forefront of the wedding table. It remains as a constant presence throughout the couple’s married life, often displayed in their home. The mirror symbolizes bringing light and brightness into the future of the couple. This is traditionally looked into by the pair.
Decorative Eggs
Symbolizing fertility, eggs are placed to wish the couple a fruitful union. Also, they are coloured gold or silver and beaded to become decorative. Similarly, they play a role in the Iranian New Year and are featured on the Haft Seen table.
Almonds, Walnuts, and Hazelnuts
Nuts and dried fruits are important symbols of Iranian culture and are crucial products that the country exports throughout the world. These nuts also symbolize fertility and abundance. You’ll find clusters of nuts strung together on the wedding table.
Sofreh Aghd Rock Candy
Adorned to symbolize a sweetened life, rock candy adds a touch of sweetness to the newlyweds’ journey. Rock candy was first discovered in Persia. Clusters of rock candy will get placed on the table.
Sofreh Aghd Coins
When placed on the table, coins express hopes for wealth and prosperity in the couple’s life. People commonly buy gold coins for personal investment and as presents. Iranians face a situation where they have few choices for investments, and there’s a growing sense of uncertainty about the nation’s security. Thus, they often keep lots of gold at home. Additionally, they use these gold coins as decor.
Quran or Hafez
Representing the importance of prayer and blessings in the couple’s life, the Holy Book symbolizes love and blessings from God. If the couple doesn’t want the Quran, using the Hafez Book of Poetry, is a great alternative. Persian culture celebrates it as a top symbol of love.
Sofreh Aghd Sugar Cloth
The sugar cloth is a fabric held over the couple’s head by happily married female relatives and friends. This signifies showering the couple’s life and marriage with sweetness. Occasionally, two women hold the opposing sides of the cloth. In another instance, four women can each hold a corner of the cloth.
Sofreh Aghd Sugar Cones
Used during the ceremony, sugar cones are rubbed together over the couple’s head onto the sugar cloth. This is done by family and friends to infuse the couple’s life and marriage with sweetness. A select few family and friends take turns doing this.
Candles
Similar to the candelabra, candles represent energy and clarity in the couple’s shared life. Also, people view fire as a purifying element on the sofreh aghd.
Herbs and Spices
A highlight of the table’s design features a mix of seven herbs and spices in vibrant colours. Importantly, this signifies having a good and rich life. This mix includes poppy seeds, wild rice, angelica, salt, nigella seeds, black tea, and frankincense. While each spice has a specific meaning, people generally place them to protect against evil spirits.
Sofreh Aghd Flatbread
The decorative display of bread symbolizes prosperity for the feasts and the couple’s life. Often, this is accompanied by feta cheese and fresh herbs. Additionally, on the wedding table is the flatbread or “Noone Sangak” skillfully presented. Occasionally, the pieces take on the form of blooming flowers.
Fruits
Typically grapes, apples and pomegranate embody the wish for a joyous future. Specifically, the pomegranate holds significant meaning in Iranian culture. Additionally, as Iran’s national fruit, it carries profound religious and cultural importance for the Iranian people.
Sofreh Aghd Honey
In the course of a traditional Iranian wedding ceremony, there is an inclusion of sweet items on the sofreh aghd. What’s more, this signifies the sweetness of the union and wishes for a sweet life. Thus, as a ritual, the couple shares a moment of feeding each other honey with their pinkies. Thus, this symbolizes the ongoing sweetness and love they will share throughout their marriage.
Rose Water
Rose water is used to make the air smell nice, adding a fragrant touch to the atmosphere. In Persian culture, Iranians use rose water for its healing properties, in cooking, and to add a pleasant fragrance. For most occasions, Iranians turn to rose water. Also, this item has a calming and enjoyable effect on people.
Pastries
Placed on the wedding table and shared with guests, sweets and pastries symbolize the sweetness of life. Pastries play a crucial role in the daily lives of Iranians, and their significance exceeds that in many other cultures.
Sofreh Aghd Wild Rue
When burned in a ceremony or used for decoration, wild rue means a cleanse and getting rid of negativity.
Traditional Iranian Embroidery Cloth
Lastly, families often hand down a traditional Persian silk or embroidered cloth through generations. This symbolizes family and tradition, displayed among other items.